Confessions of the Five De Silva Girls
By: ChocolateEclar
Disclaimer: I don't own anything that has to do with the Mediator Series by Meg Cabot/Jenny Carroll, including Jesse (*cough*I'm begging you!*cough*).
Claimer: I may not own the fact that Jesse has five sisters (ages 6-16 when he died), but I do own who the five girls are – i.e. their personalities and names. In short, I own Juanita "Nita" De Silva, Estefana De Silva, Felicidad "Felly" De Silva, Dolores "Dolly" De Silva, and most of all Carmen De Silva. I also own their parents, uncles (except Ricardo's name), aunts, and cousins' personas and names.
To Arda Silverlace: Too bad most modern big brothers aren't anything like Jesse… ^_^ Thanks again.
To Alda Rethe: All of the De Silva Sisters do seem to have little traits like Jesse, don't they? The memorial was a last minute thing I thought up to show just how much the girls loved their brother. ^__- Thanks again for reviewing!
To happydrummergal: I wish I could've gone to see Meg Cabot… Oh well. *sighs* ^_^ I had to do quite a bit of research to get the last chapter the way I wanted it. I kept finding more facts that would result in having to rearrange tons of the articles. ^_- Thanks for the review.
A/N: Anyone whose confused as to why Owen's still alive because they haven't read chapter 13 of "Timeout," I have this to say, "READ CHAPTER 13! DUH!" Thank you. ^__^
Chapter 5: Nita's Narrative – Numero Uno
12 de noviembre del año 1849
Querido Owen,
Everyone is fine here on the ranch. I hardly believe it myself, but Jesse and Maria – you remember her, don't you? She is the cousin of mine you called a prat in fine lace – are engaged to be married in the summer! Can you believe it? Poor Jesse.
This is all my Uncle Ricardo's doing.
I hope you are well. How are your parents?
Yours truly,
Nita
**********
2 de deciembre del año 1849
Querida Nita,
What do you mean your brother and that woman are getting hitched? Has Hector become daft? Why on Earth would anyone want to marry Maria De Silva?
Anyway, the family is in good health. My mother says she is making you a shawl for Christmas – just incase it arrives late. You know how slow the mail is.
My hermanita Sergia is eleven now and turning out to be a pretty little niña. I have been keeping boys off her right and left.
Father is off on another crazy scheme to get rich. This time he's planning on traveling back to California for gold. He wants me to come with, which wouldn't be so horrible, except we would have little time to visit you and your family. We shall see what happens. If he does force me to help, I'm sure I can find some way to sneak off and call on you.
Until we meet again…
Best wishes,
Your Owen
**********
14 de enero del año 1850
Querida Juanita,
I pray you are well, dear. I'm writing to inform you and your family that my husband and Antonio are headed north to California for the gold rush. Sadly, my husband did not allow Antonio the time to write to you. Be prepared for a visit from him though. He cannot be stopped when it comes to calling upon you and your lovely family.
My little Sergia says to tell you Antonio is better looking since the last time you saw him. Silly girl.
Take care,
Serafita Perry
**********
3 de febrero del año 1850
Dear Mrs. Perry and Sergia,
Owen safely arrived at my family's ranch last week. Thank you for notifying us beforehand. Señor Perry and him have found no gold as of yet. The former is adamant on finding some though. Owen is not so sure.
Please tell Sergia she is correct about her brother and his appearance. She will be pleased I approve of Owen's stubble.
Cordially,
Juanita
**********
18 de febrero del año 1850
Querida Nita,
It was wonderful seeing you. My father and I are still headed towards Sacramento. I'm bored out of my mind and missing you terribly. (Not to mention your abuela's cooking. I could really use a soft shell taco right about now.) Estefana's beau Pedro is just as I remember him. Energetic and quarrelsome. He appreciates your sister's art though, which certainly negates any minor difficulties between them. Estefana seems properly smitten with him.
I am worried about Hector though. He does not like talking about his fiancée at all. A very bad sign for such a young hombre. Keep me posted about his situation.
Little Carmen is certainly growing. She reminds me of Sergia with her little curls and short stature. As does Dolores, for that matter. Dolores certainly loves writing in those diaries of hers. I think she had her nose in one of them almost the entire time I was with your family.
As for Felicidad, you know she and I have never seen eye to eye. She abhors water of all kinds. I love the ocean deeply.
Write to me often. God only knows I need something to keep me occupied in this trip. Send your letters to the Sacramento Post Office. They will know where to find me.
Always yours,
Owen
**********
5 de marzo del año 1850
Querido Owen,
A rumor is traveling about Carmel and the surrounding area that Maria is still secretly courting Felix Diego. Remember him? He's that slave-runner my Uncle Ricardo would not allow Maria to wed without losing her inheritance. I fear the worst. What are your thoughts?
Love,
Nita
(P.S. Is your trip going that terribly?)
**********
28 de marzo del año 1850
Querida Nita,
Maria and Diego? That's appalling. Those two do deserve each other though. Both are wretches. What is Hector going to do?
Love,
Owen the Miserable
(P.S. Yes. That terribly. I'm tired, cold, and wet, and if my father doesn't allow me to go home, I'm leaving him here. I am not spending another day in a river up to my knees searching for gold that isn't here.)
**********
13 de abril del año 1850
Querido Owen,
Jesse is seriously contemplating calling off the wedding. Maria has been trying to deny all rumors, but I can tell Jesse does not believe her. Abuela doesn't believe Maria either. She always did call her a prostituta from the time Maria started having an ample amount of beaus. I will let you know as soon as I hear what Jesse is going to do.
Affectionately,
Your Nita
(P.S. I hope your father gives up on finding gold soon. Very few people have found much of anything according to Estefana's news clippings, and she has Pedro Morales get her a paper with her own money twice every month.)
**********
30 de abril del año 1850
Querida Nita,
We're returning home in two months if we don't discover any gold, according to my father. I'll believe that when I see it.
I really think Hector should call off the marriage. It will only lead to anguish.
Yours,
Owen
**********
6 de mayo del año 1850
Querido Owen,
You're really going back to Mexico soon? How wonderful for you! Will you be stopping by for another visit along the way?
Yours truly,
Nita
(P.S. No new information on Jesse and Maria.)
**********
24 de mayo del año 1850
Querida Nita,
Yes, I did convince my father to go on ahead to Mexico without me, so I could visit you and your family again. I look forward to it.
Yours,
Owen
**********
14 de junio del año 1850
Querida Nita,
Is something wrong? You haven't replied to my last letter yet. I understand if something came up though. I will be arriving at your family's ranch in a week.
Love,
Owen the Worried
**********
1 de julio del año 1850
Madre, Padre, and Sergia:
I will be late on arriving home. There is a crisis going on here at the De Silva Ranch. I will let you know more later.
Your loving son/brother,
Antonio Owen
**********
1 de julio del año 1850
Owen:
If there is anything you can do to assist the De Silvas that is fine. Please tell us what is wrong though. Your mother is pulling her hair out with worry.
Your father,
Victor Perry
(P.S. Sergia wants to know if Juanita has become more beautiful. What will your little sister ask next?)
**********
20 de julio del año 1850
Querido Padre,
Nita's older brother Hector is missing, and her family is in an uproar. To make things worse, his sisters are certain he is dead. Hector's wedding with Maria De Silva has been called off of course. I will let you know when I will be coming home. (With the way things are going though, it looks like it'll be awhile.)
Your loving son,
Owen
(P.S. Tell Sergia Nita's beautiful and to drop the subject…or else.)
**********
7 de agosto del año 1850
Querido Antonio,
Now why on earth are you threatening your sister, mi hijo? I know you must be in constant worry, what with the De Silva Family situation and all, but you mustn't take out your frustration out on little Sergia.
In any case, please comfort the De Silvas as best you can, dear. I know it must be awful for them, losing their only son and all. How horrible!
I pray you will return home safely.
Your anxious madre,
Serafita Perry
**********
29 de agosto del año 1850
Querida Madre,
What do you mean why am I threatening Sergia? When have we ever bonded well? For goodness sake, we are brother and sister after all.
Anyway, the De Silvas are doing well. I fear the people who have been hurt most by Hector's disappearance are his sisters. They were the example of the few siblings to ever mostly get along together and they love their brother very much.
Tu hijo,
Antonio Owen
(P.S. I will try to be home by the end of September.)
**********
20 de septiembre del año 1850
Padre, Madre, y Sergia:
I'm leaving for home tomorrow. The De Silvas are still deep in mourning, but there is little else I can do for them now.
I cannot wait to see all of you.
Yours,
Antonio Owen
**********
15 de octubre del año 1850
To The De Silva Family:
We recently heard about your great loss and, as such, we offer our deepest sympathy to our great friends back in Carmel-by-the-Sea. We know Hector was very dear to you all. Please except the attached presents for the immediate family members of Hector:
1. A roll of new lace for Señora Jacinda De Silva
2. A new waistcoat for Señor Fernando De Silva
3. A gold chain for Señorita Juanita
4. A tube of blue paint for Señorita Estefana
5. Twenty sheets of parchment and a new quill for Señorita Felicidad
6. A new diary for Señorita Dolores
7. A book about breeds of dogs for Señorita Carmen
We know these things won't make the pain go away, but just maybe, they will make you feel a little bit better.
Your friends forever,
The Perry Family
**********
31 de octubre del año 1850
Querido Owen,
I just wanted to say again how grateful I am that you were with me after…you know what. I know I'm in denial, but I can't help it. I refuse to say it or write it.
You didn't have to send me that necklace you know. And before you say anything, YES, I KNOW IT WAS YOU, ANTONIO OWEN PERRY! If you're wondering, I'm now wearing it with Abuela's old cross.
Thank you again!
Love,
Nita
**********
16 de noviembre del año 1850
Querida Nita,
Ah, but how could I resist giving you such a trinket? Besides, I knew it would elicit at least one smile from you. I hope your family liked their gifts from my family as well.
I know you hate it, but I also know you will survive the pain.
After all, you are my darling, my strong Nita.
Yours now and forever,
Owen
(P.S. You remember what I asked you when we were just children, don't you? Let's postpone that until you're ready, okay?)
************************************************************************
A/N: (Just a random thought) I like Owen. He's a good guy. ^_^
A/N 2: I feel bad for Jesse's sisters. Imagine losing JESSE! He's like the ultimate big brother for them.
A/N 3: REVIEW! ^__- Next chapter: Carmen (again)! Bye!