Jose Spreads His Wings
By Ben
Chapter XI
"Jose, you should have told me you were bringing the son of Don Chavez to our home." His mother told him.
"Mama, please calm down. I could not call you because we have no telephone. Besides, I wanted to surprise you." Jose replied.
"You certainly did that. He must think we are paupers. I imagine he lives in a casa grande with many fine things. I hope he is not too uncomfortable here. I must prepare something special for our supper." Mama, it is alright. Enrique is very down to earth. You will like him once you get to know him. You will like his family very much, too, when you meet them."
Her eyes became wide dark circles. "Que? Do you mean his family is coming here as well?"
Jose laughed. "No, no. At least not today."
Jose brought two bottles of Corona and led Enrique out into the shaded yard overlooking the small bay. He began introducing him to his brothers and sisters. The girls were shy or openly flirting with him while the boys all admired the car they had arrived in.
Shortly, a very handsome middle aged man came walking up the road. He was carrying two heavy baskets and was accompanied by two teenaged boys, likewise laden. Jose ran to the man and embraced him strongly.
"Papa! Surprise! I have come home for a visit. I have come with my friend, Enrique, from college. Come and meet him." Jose was very excited.
Enrique shook his hand. "Buenas tardes, Senor Gomez. It is a pleasure to meet you."
"And you." The father replied. "And what is your family name, Senor?"
"It is Chavez, from San Augustin." Enrique informed him.
"Ah, and are you related to Don Chavez, then."
"Si, Senor. He is my papa."
"A very fine man, indeed. He almost single handedly saved this village not long ago. I met him while he was here. Welcome to my home."
"Gracias, Senor." Enrique said.
Jose introduced his other two brothers and he and Enrique helped carry the baskets into the house. It turned out they were full of shrimp and fish and mussels from the days catch. They poured the contents into three large vats of water and ice and placed the baskets at the back of the house.
The men and older boys cleaned themselves and sat in the shade while Jose's mother orchestrated the preparation of the evening meal. Enrique was placed in the seat of honor next to Jose's mother. Only the males in the family were seated at the large kitchen table. The food was not fancy, but it was delicious and plentiful. The "catch of the day" was prepared deliciously and supplemented with fresh vegetables and hot tortillas. Enrique though he would burst and, still, Jose mother urged him to eat more.
During the meal Jose related how he and Enrique had met and all that had occurred with him moving into the apartment. He talked excitedly about flying to San Augustin and meeting the Chavez family. Jose' father thanked Enrique for his uncommon generosity.
After they were sated, the men and boys vacated the kitchen and it was the female's turn to sit and eat. Jose suggested a walk down by the bay and Enrique heartily accepted. He needed some exercise after all he had eaten. The sun was setting and the sky was awash in brilliant hues of pink and orange. They strolled along the long pier and Jose led him aboard his father's fishing boat.
They stood, and watched for awhile, then Enrique felt Jose take his hand. He turned to look at the love in Jose's expression. "Thank you for bringing me home and meeting my family." Jose said.
"De nada." Enrique said and took Jose in a strong embrace. They kissed passionately as the bright circle of the sun sank beyond the horizon. They turned to disembark and make their way back to the casa. They were both startled to see Jose's father standing with the empty baskets in his hand. His expression was full of disgust and anger.
"Jose, are you a whore who would fall to this wickedness for airplanes and apartments and fine living? And you?" He turned his gaze toward Enrique. "Would you accept my hospitality and then violate my son? It is sinful and makes me sick to think of it. Please leave! Jose, you will come home with me and then we will go and see Padre Pedro to find out how you may be absolved!"
"Papa, no!" Jose shouted. "Please, I love Enrique and he loves me!"
Jose father dropped his baskets and spat on the pier noisily. "Then you go with him! You are no longer my son. Do not speak of this to your mother. It would kill her to know what you have become. Leave here and do not return. I will tell your Tio that you are no longer worthy of him spending money on you for university. GO!"
"Papa! Please listen to me!" Jose begged, but his father turned his back and rapidly stomped his way back toward the house. Jose collapsed to his knees in tears. Enrique knelt to hold him and tried to give him comfort.
"Shh, Jose, please don't cry. It will be alright. He is just angry and upset right now. Give him some time." Enrique tried to soothe him.
"Enrique, what am I to do? I love you so much, but I love my papa as well." Jose sniffed and wiped his eyes.
"Come with me and we will return to San Augustin. Your papa will not be angry forever." Enrique offered.
They slowly stood and made their way back to the car. Enrique helped Jose into the passenger side then walked around to drive. He saw a single small face watching them from a window. It disappeared after Jose's father yelled loudly. He started the car and headed back to the plane. He regretted bringing Jose to this painful place. He blamed himself.
More to come, soon. Please take a look at my other stories. Just click the "Authors" link then scroll down until you see a listing for "Lyle Benton".