Chapter Four

And God Said…

1400's

Taino taught his daughter about the Cemís or gods, spirits, and ancestors,and how to worship them. Before certain ceremonies Taínos would purify themselves, either byfasting.Then serve communal bread, first to theCemi, then to thecacique, or chief of the tribe, and then to the common people. The village epic would be sung to the accompaniment ofmaracaand other instruments.

"I'm hungry…" Child Puerto Rico sighed. Taino patted his daughter on the head. "It will be time to eat soon. Just wait a little while longer." Puerto Rico huffed and groaned. "Hate it when we have to fast," she said. When the time to pass out the bread came, Puerto Rico held up the large basket full of fresh loaves while Taino broke the bread for the for the Cemi. The bread smelled so delicious, the young child could barely keep from drooling. It seemed like her father was taking especially long this time around, so she decided to take up her back up plan.

Child Puerto Rico gave a quick sharp whistle. In an instant all the birds from nearby the village flew over the ceremony. The villagers looked up in awe and surprise while the hundreds of birds flew over. Puerto Rico used the opportunity to slip a loaf into her mouth and work it down quickly. She sighed happily as the rumble in her tummy finally quieted. After the birds passed the ceremony continued, and Puerto Rico kept her little early taste of the food to herself.

1530's

After the attacks from France, Spain helped Puerto Rico in her recovery.

Teen Puerto Rico sat still as Spain changed the bandages on her back. "It's starting to heal nicely." Spain smiled. "I think you may even be stronger than ever this time around." "Just hurry up!" she retorted at him. Spain flinched and decided not to provoke her any further. She had lashed out at him even more since the attacks, although strangely enough she had been hitting him less. He finished the bandages and stood up to leave.

Puerto Rico called to him, "Do you think…" Spain looked at the small girl whose eyes were locked onto the floor. "Do you think he'll be back?" "Huh?" Spain was surprised for a moment. He realized Puerto Rico may have been frightened by the attack. He gently put his hand on his shoulder. "There are many across the ocean who want to take you away from me. I've heard that even France is still determined to capture you." "That idiot…" Puerto Rico said.

Spain knelt down and caught a glimpse into Puerto Rico's eyes. They gave away everything, she truly was scared. He pushed back her bangs, and she looked up at him. "I'll protect you Puerto Rico," Spain said, "Don't worry." The teen girl slapped his hand away. "I don't want you to protect me! I just… want you… and everyone else to leave me alone!"

Spain looked depressed, she would never accept him. But he needed her to trust him if he was going to keep her from those like France. He thought for a moment of what could start to change her mindset, then stood and headed for the door of the room. Just as he made it to the door, he called back over to the teen girl. "Puerto Rico," he said with actual sternness in his voice. She was caught somewhat off guard and looked up at him. "Follow me," he said and left the room. Puerto Rico stared blankly at the doorway, after a moment she stood and went after Spain.

Later Spain and Puerto Rico are walking through a town on the island. Spain stops in front of a building. "Here," he says. "The church?" Puerto Rico questions. "Come on," Spain says and he walks Puerto Rico into the church. Puerto Rico looks around at the paintings, candles, and sculpture. She liked the beauty of the churches and their artwork.

Spain sits down, "Here, Puerto Rico," he calls, and the teen girl sits next to him. Puerto Rico's usually awful demeanor diminished out of respect for the church. "If you can't have faith in me," Spain says, "I will show you who you can have faith in." Spain takes out a Bible and they read together.

When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me.

They read and prayed for a while, and afterward, Spain took her to dinner. "Spain," she called as they ate at the table. Spain looked at Puerto Rico, curiously. The teen girl seemed to be looking past him, as if not trying to make eye contact. "Thanks," she said and after a pause continued, "That helped me feel better, so yeah…" She lowered her head to her plate to hide the heat rising in her cheeks, and Spain smiled. "Ha, you're welcome Puerto Rico!" he cheers and pats her head. Puerto Rico slaps at his hands to get him away.

Modern Day

Adult Puerto Rico is inside the church praying. Just as she finishes her prayer, she feels someone kneel down next to her. She looks up and sees it's America who has begun his own prayer. Puerto Rico quietly stands and walks outside. She waits for America while leaning against the wall. "He actually looks somewhat adult like that." she smirks.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Later America comes out of the church, and looks over at Puerto Rico. "Where are you heading now?" he asks. "Going to get some lunch," she replies, "I'm starving." America laughs, "Let's eat together!" The woman huffs, "No way! Not burgers again!" The two walk down the street together,