Author note: Please be aware there is reference here to the killing of a dog. I do not go into detail, nor is there any gore.
Everyone stood in awkward silence until Mireya took a step forward. "Can he read my lips now?"
"Yes." Emilio acknowledged.
"Felipe," She took a fortifying breath and continued. "Would you mind very much taking my hand?"
Felipe did as he was asked and took hold of her outstretched hand. "When we are together, you can take my hand… squeeze it to let me know that it is you…and that you are able to read my lips."
Felipe squeezed her hand and she smiled.
"I know that this is awkward, for me as well, but may I place my hand against your face?"
Felipe looked to Diego, but his mentor simply shrugged.
Normally timid and shy around strangers, especially members of the opposite sex, this was a decision that Felipe had to make on his own.
Slowly, he placed her palm on the side of his face. The warmth of her touch made his heart quicken and the color in his cheeks deepen.
Mireya smiled. "Well, we are quite the pair, aren't we?"
Felipe nodded.
The movement of his face gave her his answer and she smiled brightly. "You agree."
Felipe nodded again. He could not contain the smile that broke out on his face.
"Problem solved. As long as we make sure that you can read my lips and I keep my questions to yes and no."
Felipe nodded in agreement.
"Refreshments are served." Don Alejandro announced from the entrance of the room.
"Felipe, would you care to escort Señorita Peña into the parlor?" Diego asked.
Felipe nodded enthusiastically and Mireya let out a small giggle. He took her hand from his face and linked their arms at the elbows.
"Wait." She pulled free. "It is easier this way." She reached out and took hold of his elbow. "Now we are ready." She gave his arm a reassuring squeeze. "Lead on."
Emilio and Diego watched with pride as the young couple disappeared through the doorway.
ZZZ
Later that evening, Emilio joined the de la Vegas for dinner, giving his apology for Mireya's absence. He had tried to convince her to join them, but knew in the end that his efforts would be futile. While she put on an air of confidence in front of strangers, the truth was that Mireya was very self-conscious and hated the feeling of being on display; knowing that everyone watched her every move.
Diego and Emilio laughed and talked of their days at the university. Emilio was not only shocked, but intrigued, by the fact that Ignacio DeSoto was now the Alcalde of Los Angeles.
"It is certainly a small world, Diego." Emilio shook his head in disbelief. "Ignacio DeSoto- Alcalde here!
"That it is." Diego agreed.
I did not know Ignacio that well, of course. He was a senor when we were mere freshmen."
"You weren't missing much." Diego shook his head.
"That is right. You knew him. You were in the play with him." Emilio smiled. "You played Jesus to his Judas."
Diego sighed and wrinkled his brow. "Perfect casting for him, I am afraid." He rolled his eyes.
"Is he really that bad?" Emilio asked? "His family was not one of affluence. His father was a farmer, if I am not mistaken. You would think that his upbringing would help him keep in touch with the people of the pueblo."
"I thought that as well." Diego shook his head. "He is determined to capture Zorro and make a name for himself back in Spain. I am afraid it has clouded his judgment."
"Well he always was ambitious." Emilio acknowledged and became very quiet.
"Emilio?" Diego was concerned by the pained look on his friend's face. "Emilio?" He called again when he got no response.
"I'm sorry, Diego." Emilio forced a smile. "I was just thinking."
"About the trial?"
Emilio nodded. "And ambition and greed."
The time for laughter and reminiscing was over. Diego watched his friend struggle with his thoughts and fears.
"Don Arturo Ibarra is a man of both wealth and power." Emilio stared at his hands as he spoke, unable to make eye contact with his friend.
"And you think he is responsible for the threats that you have been receiving?"
"Not directly, of course. He would never dirty his own hands. But he certainly does not want the only son he has left to hang for the brutal murder of a peasant woman. There are men in these times that will do anything for the right price…and Don Arturo can meet that price without blinking." Emilio shook his head as he thought about all that had taken place in the past several weeks. "He tried to bribe me to lose in court." He sighed. "I told him that he was wasting his time and mine. I would never lose in court on purpose and that I was going to take great satisfaction in seeing his son hang for what he and his brother did to that poor girl."
"And his response?"
"We will see." Emilio swallowed hard. "That is all that he said." He ran his hand through his hair. "Right after that, the letters started to arrive. Carefully worded, of course, so as not to make any direct threat, but their meaning was clear."
"These threats…you believe that they are serious?"
Emilio nodded. "They are real. This is a high profile case, so they can't just kill me outright. Too many fingers would be pointed at Don Arturo and his thugs. As a young man of privilege, the younger of his sons couldn't handle being in jail. He made an attempt to escape and was killed in the process. Don Arturo blames me. He believes that his son would still be alive, if I had not pushed so hard for this case to go to trial. He is making it clear what he expects and what will happen if I don't comply this time." He took a sip of his drink. "If it was just me…." He shook his head. "But I have Mireya to think of." He rubbed his tired eyes with the tips of his fingers. "Did I tell you what they did to her dog?"
Diego shook his head, waiting patiently for his friend to continue.
"We had been out to dinner. When we arrived home, there it was, hanging from the front porch. Its throat had been slit and a note was attached: IF HE HANGS, SHE WILL BE NEXT." He closed his eyes and shuddered. "For the first time ever, I thanked God that she was unable to see." He let out an exasperated sigh. "She loved that dog."
"Mireya does not know what is happening?"
"She knows that threats have been made. She knows that I am concerned for her safety. But no, she does not know how far these men are willing to take this."
"Have you talked to anyone; considered turning this case over to someone else?"
"Surely you are not thinking that I should give up?" Emilio looked up surprised that Diego would even consider the thought.
"I am just saying that under the circumstances, no one would blame you."
Emilio pounded his fists on the table. "I would blame me." He stood and began pacing. "What kind of man would I be if I let them make me cower to their threats?" He rubbed his neck. "How do I teach Mireya about courage, if I have none myself?"
"Emilio, I only meant…"
"No, Diego!" He stopped pacing to confront his friend. "I will not let them win!" Something changed in his demeanor as he took his chair at the table and covered his face with the palms of his hands. "I need this, my friend." He said softly. "I know it sounds selfish, but God help me… I need this… for me!"
Diego got up and put a supportive hand on his friend's shoulder. He understood Emilio's frustrations. Being thrust into parenthood at such an early age was a great deal to handle. It had been one thing that had bonded the young students at the University. Diego had been lucky. Don Alejandro had been there to help and guide him in his endeavors to parent Felipe. Emilio had no one. When their parents were killed, he was on his own with a young girl to care for… and a blind one at that. He had taken on the responsibility without hesitation. He had become an adult. When most men his age were enjoying the frivolity of their youth, his every decision had to be carefully considered. The consequences of his actions would ultimately affect more than just his own future.
"It takes a brave man to continue on when other men would surely give in. There is nothing selfish in wanting to do what is right. Mireya has a place here with us for as long as is necessary."
"Thank you, my friend." Emilio smiled. "I knew I could count on you."
ZZZ
In the early morning hours before breakfast, Felipe shuffled through the hacienda and wiped the sleep from his tired eyes. He was quite surprised to see the Peñas already up. He watched quietly from the corner of the room.
"Felipe?"
He felt a strong hand to his shoulder.
"What are you doing?" Diego smiled and looked to see what the teen had been watching.
Felipe signed and pointed to the Peñas. He didn't understand.
Diego watched for a moment.
Emilio gently guided Mireya around the hacienda. At each place that they stopped, Emilio would take his sister's hands and place them on an object, announcing as he did what it was and a number. Mireya, in turn, would run her fingers gently over the object and repeat the number that she had been given. Emilio placed her hands on the dining room table… the piano, then the bench… the chairs and ottoman in the library… and on and on. Each stop meant a description and a number.
Felipe drew a question mark in the air.
"Emilio is giving Mireya a tour of the hacienda." Diego smiled. "She needs to know how to get around and what obstacles might be in her path."
Felipe watched for a moment and then signed again.
"The numbers he is giving her are how many steps it takes to get from one place to another."
Felipe wrinkled his brow.
"You and I can see when we are nearing the dining room table or the piano. Mireya needs to be able to know where things are without being able to see them. She can count how many steps it is from one point to another."
Felipe thought about what he was being told.
"Felipe, while Mireya is with us, it is very important that we keep things in their place. Do you understand?"
Felipe nodded.
ZZZ
In the garden, Emilio rubbed his temples and tried to calm the throbbing in his head. "Mireya, don't do this." His voice was soft and pleading.
"Please...Milio... don't leave me here." She begged. "I won't be any trouble I promise. I can stay in the room. I'll be good."
"Mireya..."
"No, listen…" She was desperate to have him understand. Tears started to trickle out of the corner of her eyes. "They don't understand how to help me. They can't understand what it is like." She took a deep ragged breath. "Milio, I can't do this… I can't."
"Can't or won't." His voice was suddenly loud and harsh as his fears and frustrations erupted to the surface. "Let me tell you what I can't do. I can't have my mind distracted while I work on this case. We all must make sacrifices in life. You will stay here at the hacienda and you will be gracious to the de la Vegas for their hospitality. Do I make myself clear? I can't be burdened with worry about your safety." Even before the words had completely left his lips he regretted saying them. He watched as the impenetrable wall that she had perfected through the years immediately went up.
Mireya wiped the tears from her cheeks and took a deep breath. The words sacrifice and burden echoed in her head and sliced like a knife through her heart.
"Mireya…" Emilio knew he had hurt her. He took hold of her upper arm and felt her entire body tense beneath his touch. Before he could start his apology again, Diego and Felipe entered the garden.
"Emilio." Diego surveyed the siblings and knew in an instant that they had interrupted something intense. "The coach is here." He explained.
Felipe went to Mireya's side, took hold of her hand, and squeezed.
"Felipe." She forced a smile and wiped away a tear that lingered in the corner of her eye. "Would you be so kind as to escort me back into the hacienda?"
Felipe had thought that Mireya would want her brother to escort her. After a nod of approval from Emilio, Felipe placed Mireya's palm on his cheek and nodded.
"Thank you." She let her hand linger on his cheek for just a moment and then took hold of his elbow. She stopped as they exited the garden and turned back toward where Emilio and Diego still stood. "Have a safe trip, Milio." She paused. "Don't worry about anything. We will all get along here just wonderfully I am sure." She cleared a tear from her cheek. "You will be brilliant in court. You always are." She turned back to Felipe. "Please," She whispered. "Get me out of here."
ZZZ
Mireya stayed inside of her room for the remainder of the day. She politely declined the de la Vega's invitation to meals, claiming that she was still quite tired from her travels.
Felipe checked her door from time to time. He was sure that he had heard the soft sounds of her crying. He wanted to knock, but what could he do to help? He stared at the wooden door, as if looking long enough would make it open.
"It is a big adjustment." Diego said softly as he joined the teen outside of Mireya's room.
Felipe nodded.
"We must give her time." He put his arm around the boy's shoulder and tousled his coffee colored hair.
ZZZ
Early the next morning, Diego knocked on his houseguest's door. "Mireya." He called. "Breakfast will be served in a few moments." Before she had time to respond, he added. "Felipe will be waiting to escort you to the table when you are ready." It was more direction than offer.
Felipe leaned against the wall and patiently waited. When the door finally opened and Mireya emerged, he was immediately taken by her beauty. Pulled away from her face by a simple lavender ribbon, her hair fell in fiery ringlets to her shoulders. She wore a simple white blouse that fell slightly off of her shoulders, and a lavender skirt that just brushed the tops of her ankles.
"Felipe?" She called softly and reached out her hand.
He gave a quick squeeze and she smiled.
In the dining room, Felipe helped Mireya into her chair, touched her fingers on the edge of her plate and silverware, and placed her napkin in her lap.
"Thank you." She said softly.
Felipe nodded into her palm and took his seat at the place beside her.
"Maria has outdone herself with the Huevos Rancheros this morning." Don Alejandro boomed from his place at the head of the table. "Eat, everyone, eat!"
Mireya's fingers nervously wiggled at the edge of her plate. She pulled her hand back quickly when her fingers accidently came in contact with the warm eggs.
"Mireya is something wrong?" Diego asked concerned.
"No… I ...um... I am not…" She struggled for a plausible explanation.
Felipe recognized the look on her face immediately. It was the look of embarrassment and fear of looking foolish. It was the same look that he was sure that he made every time he had to sign in front of strangers and expose his handicap.
"I am not very hungry." She explained.
"Nonsense, you haven't eaten a thing since you arrived." Don Alejandro shook his head. "You must be famished."
"If the eggs are not to your liking, I am sure that Maria would be happy to make something else." Diego offered.
"No, that isn't necessary." Mireya shook her head. "Perhaps some juice."
Felipe got to his feet and quickly poured a glass of juice, placing it gently in her hands.
"Thank you, Felipe." She took a small sip and carefully put the glass down on the table.
"I am still feeling the effects of our long journey. Would you mind terribly if I excused myself to the library?" She asked hopefully.
Don Alejandro was about to insist that the young girl eat something, but Diego interrupted. "Of course, whatever you would like."
The young beauty stood and the three men joined her.
Felipe signed to Diego and then placed Mireya's hand on his elbow.
"Thank you, Felipe, but I can manage. Please, everyone, enjoy your breakfast." Mireya slowly made her way out of the dining room to the quiet solitude of the library.
Felipe stared at Mireya's plate of uneaten eggs. Without warning, he bolted from the dining room toward the kitchen.
ZZZ
Mireya stood beside the fireplace. She heard footsteps behind her and turned. "Felipe?"
The boy took her hand, squeezed, and escorted her to one of the wingback chairs. When she was seated, Felipe placed a small plate filled with grapes and pastries on her lap.
"Felipe, I…" She shook her head.
Felipe placed his fingers to her lips to quiet her. She needed to eat. He took one of the small grapes, put it between her fingers, and raised them, gently to her mouth.
Mireya closed her eyes, bowed her head, and sighed. "You didn't need to do this." Her voice was so soft it was barely audible. Her stomach gurgled in defiance as the sweet juice of the grape trickled down her throat.
Felipe placed her fingers on the small group of pastries.
"Thank you." She conceded, picked up one of the sweet morsels and eagerly took bite. "It's delicious." She smiled.
Puzzled and curious by Felipe's sudden departure from the table, Diego stood in the archway of the library watching the young couple.
Don Alejandro joined him. He patted his son on the shoulder and nodded. "He is quite a remarkable young man, Diego."
They watched as Felipe dashed from the room, again, only to return a moment later with Mireya's glass of juice.
"That he is father." Diego agreed, proudly. "That he is."
They watched for a few moments longer as Mireya continued to eat.
"Of course, she would feel self-conscious about eating in front of strangers." Diego shook his head, disappointed that he hadn't foreseen it.
"Until the señorita feels more at ease around us, I will see if we can keep meals to things that she might find easier to handle."
"That would be a good idea." Diego agreed.
ZZZ
True to their word, the de la Vegas had Maria come up with meal ideas that were less intimidating for their houseguest. Over the passing days, they all marveled at the strength and determination of the young woman in their care.
