"I just cannot believe,you're declining this offer" Arabella said with regretful voice."It is an opportunity of a lifetime."
"I think father would just prefer to stay at home.He is getting older you see.Also alone.I cannot entrust Bernardo with him". Diego said as he was re-arranging his cloths in the suitcase.
" But Bernardo is 12 already."Arabella was also packing some belongings of Diego.
"You know father,how he cares about his property and lands,He didn't inherit them.And he's a kind man also,helping poor."
"oh,California,I miss home.Wish I could go too.But I have business here." She sat beside her beloved only brother.
"You can come anytime sweety" Diego hugged his sister.Arabella is more like his mother,but sadly she stays so far.
"Did I disturb a sibling moment" Paul entered to the room.
"No you didn't." Arabella wiped her tears.
"Don't hide from me Bella.He stayed seven years with us.Won't we miss him?"
Diego stood and hugged his brother-in-law,"I will miss you too."
"We will too." Matthew and Eliza,Arabella's two children also hugged their uncle.
"Ok,before the ship leaves you Senor Vega" Arabella's voice seemed heavy."Lets pack your things."
Romero Family bid goodbye and aboard Diego to the ship.When The ship started sailing,he saw his sister suddenly step a further and crying.A drop of tear also fell from his eyes.
"I am going to miss Spain."
It takes two months to reach California,or San Tasco as said.
Diego De La Vega,is the only son of Alejandro De La Vega,the richest man in San Tasco,which is also the Spanish Army military camp.As the sea shores are close here,they have set their camp their.
Diego's elder sister is married to Paul Romero,A renowned painter of Spanish Royal Family.He stayed with them for study in University Of Madrid,where he studied Geography and History.And got the chance to become a lecturer.
But he got a letter from his father,that prompted him to come,leaving everything.
"Oh Diego's coming." Katalina Rejoiced.
"Yes,Now we can finally do what we were waiting for." Carlos Pulido also rejoiced.
"I wonder if my daughter is happy" Katalina showed her worries.
"Why wouldn't she,marrying the richest man in San Tasco.Isn't that great?Also she's 22 now.Shouldn't we worry to marry her off." Carlos said.
"Your daughter seem to be living another life,Dear.Said she wanted to do herself something.Other than ordering servants."
"Where's my daughter?"
Lolita Pulido was not present at her parents ambitious conversation.She was in Vega's hacienda,learning from Their housemaid Maria Julia,how to make cakes.She want to start a business.
Lolita was the most beautiful woman in town,unless surpassed by The Commander's wife Matilda,who is also the only daughter of the Governor General Of California.
While her parents ambition is quite higher.Lolita leads a simple life.She reads,goes for horse riding,fishing,cooks delicious."A perfect vega woman" Alejandro said.
Her parents are quite an expensive life leader,despite their Tiny lands and huge loans. Carlos is Alejandro's best friend and that is why he helps him.By marrying of his only daughter to his only son,he wants to strengthen their relationship.
Lolita is not really fond of marrying Diego,or anyone.Diego is four years senior than her,and they were both engaged in childhood.She wants to start her own business and repay their parents loan.
"Oh my little boy is coming after a long time." Maria wiped her eyes.He raised Arabella and Diego after Lorena Vega,their mother died.
"You should be happy.But I am not." Lolita said."He returns and then I'll be married off."
"What's the problem dear.You love all of us right?"
"Actually,I am not ready to lead a married life right now." Lolita said,as she was practising to an embroidery design looking into a book.
"All your friends have got married dear."
"I don't care about others." She said.
"Hey Maria." Bernardo's voice was heard from the stable.
"Now what that brat's doing?" She moved from her cooking pot.
"Its been a month since he sailed off,must be reached today."
"I'll watch him" Lolita stood from Chair and went to Stable.
"What happened Bernardo?" She asked..
Bernardo pointed to be silent and went to her.
"You know,Cekita?"
"The writer,who's in Spanish Army's wanted list?"
"Yes."
"Yeah,so?"
"They're here."He showed them.
Cekita,his wife and their infant son was sitting near the stable,trembling.Cekita,a rebel writer,who was writing against Spanish Army's tyranny,was declared to be executed when caught.So they escaped in Vega Hacienda.
" Lolita dear."She looked behind and saw Alejandro,bald and with a white mustache.
"Will you please help them to board the ship where Diego will come?My servant just informed me that he saw his ship from hill."
"But,how can I Senor Vega?" Lolita hesitated herself.
"If I wanted,I could go.But then they'll suspect me.For saving my townspeople,I selfishly want to save myself.But dear,I know you be brave?"
Lolita looked at Cekita.She saw his infant boy.
"I would have died,Senorina Lolita.But I desperately want to live,for my child.I beg you to help me.Army has a suspicion that We're here."
Cekita's tears were enough to make her determine."Bernardo,make the carriage ready."She said.
"Okey mam."
"Dear Son,
Since you were born,you knew despite being in Spanish occupation,we were still happy.Unless Raimon became commander,his tyranny has risen.He exploits people,forcing them to pay extra taxes.His soldiers openly harrass people.Being son-in-law of the Governor,he is invincible.
Few people tried to rebel,but failed miserably and executed.Son,although we cannot root him out,as being born here,we can help townspeople.I want you to take care of the town our predecessors created and protect.You are my only hope.
I know you are an excellent student,but nothing is more honourable to me to protect your homeland.You can teach here son,To poor children who cannot go to school.It will be demotion for you.But will be for the welfare of people.Me,your brother Bernardo,Maria are missing you.Also I cannot wait to marry you off with my friend's daughter,remember her?She's gorgeous lady now.
Give My daughter,son-in-law and grandchildren love.Tell her to visit someday.Return safely.
Your Father
Don Alejandro De La Vega
He has read the letter for a thousand time.He looked upon the shores of San Tasco from distance.A cold breeze was blowing his brown hair.
" A new life for me"He said to himself.
"I'm going home".