Putting it together
March 1971
The car stopped in the driveway of the house. “Oh Cinnamon, it is beautiful.” Maria exclaimed.
Rollin turned to Cinnamon with a smile. They had brought her to see the new house. Jennifer even chimed in with a squeal of delight.
Rollin took Jennifer from her car seat and followed the two women into the house. He knew they would be going room to room, discussing furniture and decorating the house.
As they walked, they talked about the house, Jennifer and the history between them. Maria had been Cinnamon’s salvation that day three years ago in Santa Quetera.
Santa Quetera- 1968
Rodriguez tightened his grip around Cinnamon’s throat. She was pressed back against the wall and could feel his hot breath on her face. Cinnamon struggled against his hands, trying to break his grip. She opened her eyes again, tears running down her face.
She heard the gunshot and the man’s hands went limp from around her throat and he fell forward with a last gasp of breath. Cinnamon moved from in front of him quickly as his body hit the wall and slid down the wall.
Cinnamon quickly regained her composer and looked to where the shot had come from. She was surprised to seeing Maria Santos standing there holding a pistol. “He was a bad man.” She said.
Cinnamon moved swiftly across the room. “Thank you, Maria.” She said. “Now we need to get out of here.” Cinnamon said taking the gun from her.
The two women left the hacienda, just as the soldiers came in the back door.
****
Cinnamon and Maria entered the maid’s rooms. Maria turned to Cinnamon.
“The house is lovely. I think you will be very happy here.”
Cinnamon smiled. “I hope so.”
“Maria, we want you to come with us.”
“Come with you?”
“Come live here with us.”
Maria smiled brightly.
“You are part of our family, Maria. We wouldn’t know what to do without you.”
Maria’s eyes watered. “I do not know what to say.”
“Say yes.”
Maria and Cinnamon returned to the den to find Rollin and Jennifer playing with the balls on the pool table.
Rollin looked up as they approached him. “What do you think, Maria? Shall we move in?”
“Oh yes. It is a wonderful house.”
Rollin picked up Jennifer from the table. “Well kiddo, looks like we’re going to move.” He flew Jennifer over his head as the baby squealed with delight.
Cinnamon moved to his side as he stood the baby back on the table. Jennifer stood up as Cinnamon held her hands. The baby bounced up and down, laughing with her parents.
Maria joined them watching the threesome. She was overcome with a feeling of family. Rollin reached for her hand to pull her to join them. “Here Maria. Jennifer’s going to dance for us.”
Maria joined them to watch Jennifer dance.
Rollin moved his arm about her shoulders. “She’s got her mother’s moves doesn’t she?” He said with a smile.
Maria smiled at the baby. They were her family.
THE END
Elena Vorska
December 2001