The Casa Del Castaneda

Just a Sleeping Flower

Paloma jerks. His eyes were perfectly wide staring at the ceiling of the room. The woman could not move under the blanket that covered her body. Meanwhile, sweat droplets have soaked the forehead, there are even some that drip onto the pillow.

“Dad,” sigh Paloma shrivel. He struggled to say the word, between heartbeats that beat much faster than usual. The solitude he lived, began to feel agonizing. I don't know where all the courage, which has been in the brunette.

A dream that was so scary and so real. Paloma can even feel how painful it is, when the hot lead penetrates into the body. This is not the first time she has had such a horrible dream about Rafael, who was violent towards her.

Paloma became restless, because the dreams were felt to have greatly disturbed the peace of mind of the young woman. “Rafael, why are you so eager to finish me off?” A question that won't get an answer. Rafael is still thousands of kilometers away, in the other hemisphere.

But the man will come soon. Yes, Rafael is going to Mexico, to take care of everything related to his divorce with Paloma. That meant, Paloma would again meet the handsome man who had given him a son.

Should Paloma be scared? In fact, Rafael had committed an attempted murder against him outright. Just like the one in the dream last night and a few nights back.

Paloma got up, then sat leaning against the head of the bed. He tried to neutralize all the nervousness that was in his chest. Does Rafael still want to finish him off? The young lady immediately shook her head. He didn't want to die in vain at the hands of a useless man like Rafael Hernandez. "I can't be afraid. You are not a God who can uproot my life as you please" Paloma told himself.

Until the night changed in the morning, Paloma could no longer close his eyes. The atmosphere is bright enough. He decided to get out of bed. Paloma went into the kitchen. He was about to check the leftovers. Usually, there are Rogelio's men who come there, to send all the needs he needs. However, it turned out that no one had come today. Paloma cooks potluck food.

Time has shown eight o'clock over fifteen minutes, when there is a knock on the door. Paloma who was in the kitchen to prepare breakfast, was immediately stunned. The shadow of last night's nightmare is again present in memory. The woman decided not to open the door.

But the sound of the knocking did not stop. Paloma circulated his gaze, looking for something that could serve as a self-defense weapon. Since there was nothing in the kitchen other than cooking utensils, Paloma finally took a frying pan with a diameter of 25 cm. The owner of the hazel eyes stepped slowly, holding the handle of the pan tightly. He walked towards the door.

After arriving there, Paloma peeked out from the small hole in the door. Outside, Rogelio had been standing with a face that looked agitated. Knowing that the one who came was the father-in-law, Paloma immediately opened it wide. "Dad?" sapana.

“Gosh. I thought you weren't home,” said Rogelio relieved. He went in without being invited. “Look. I brought you groceries. I think, this is enough for the next few days.” Rogelio showed me some shopping bags he was carrying on his right and left hands.

“Why bother, Dad?” Paloma felt bad about Rogelio's excessive attention to him.

“What's a hassle? You need all of this,” said Rogelio regardless of the unpleasant look of Paloma. The man walked into the kitchen, then put all his luggage on the table. “Have you not had breakfast, son?” rogelio exclaimed from the kitchen, for Paloma was still standing by the door flipping through the pan he was holding.

Paloma breathed out slowly. “Not yet,” he replied as he walked into the kitchen, “but, I've prepared everything. Will Dad have breakfast here?” paloma is accompanied by a warm smile.

“Not a bad idea,” says Rogelio agrees. He picked one of the chairs at the dining table, then sat down.

“Cuma, the menu that I made is not as luxurious as at the residence of Father,” said Paloma while preparing two dishes for them. He also served breakfast that day. Huevos Divorciadios aka divorced egg. The breakfast menu made Rogelio frown, then smile knot.

Paloma sat in the chair opposite Rogelio. He started eating his breakfast menu. The hazel-eyed woman tried to ignore her anxiety over the disruption of dreams about Rafael.

“Yesterday, I called Rafael. He said he would leave for Mexico soon. Tatiana also came with him,” said Rogelio, re-opening the conversation after a moment of silence.

“It seems, the woman was very crazy about Rafael,” Paloma responded. He had spent the rest of the food on the plate.

Paloma breathed out slowly. He thought for a moment. A moment later, Paloma smiled wryly. “I'll find a job. I can't stay like this forever. Relying on Dad even just to fill the stomach. I don't like it,” said the woman slowly.

“That's no big deal, son,” Rogelio said. He returned to drink his drink. “When I went to Casa del Castaneda some time ago, I and Mr. Castaneda made a deal. We will do cooperation,” Rogelio said.

“What cooperation?” ask Paloma. The shadow of Sebastian's handsome face suddenly appeared. So did their kiss scene before Paloma left Spain. The young woman covered her lips. Hiding the strange feelings present.

“I plan to import olives from his plantation. As we know, the quality of the olives from Porcuna is the best. I don't want to miss that. My pharmaceutical company can process it into medicinal products or for body care,” explained Rogelio so sure.

Paloma only beards listening to the explanation of the father-in-law. Rogelio also told me about the plan, that he would make beauty products under the auspices of his company. That will make it easier for him, in getting licensing as well as marketing. All Chihuahua even Mexico, already know the big name Estrella Pharmacies.

“Then, how does Mr Castaneda think about it? I mean, we know for ourselves the distance between Spain and Mexico ..”.

“Tuan Castaneda has often imported plantation products abroad. I guess, it doesn't matter. The distance of thousands of kilometers is not a significant obstacle. There are many good and reliable expedition companies today,” explained Rogelio again.

Paloma is back. “Iya. You are right, Father,” he said. He then fell silent.

“Why? Do you have a problem?” ask Rogelio. He seemed to be able to understand well, the body language that Paloma showed. In fact, the owner of hazel eyes was already trying not to show his disquiet openly.

“I will definitely miss Nilo a lot. One day, I want to go back to Spain to visit his grave. Right now, I can only leave it to Aunt Theresa. May he always be healthy and long live.” Paloma exhaled slowly, then bowed lethargic.

A sense of haru appeared in Rogelio's heart, when he saw the state of Paloma. Just like Rafael, the middle-aged man's affection was immense for the son-in-law. Apart from her friendship with Carlos which has been established since decades ago, Rogelio considers Paloma to be a very good woman. That's why he made her his son-in-law.

Rogelio never thought that his decision was wrong. He had presented much suffering to the daughter of his best friend. Perhaps because of that as well, the man with a neat and extremely clean appearance wanted to make up for everything.

“So, you want to work?” ask Rogelio a few moments later.

“Iya. I'll find a job. At least, I have money to buy food and other necessities,” Paloma replied with an innocent smile.

“Good. It was not a difficult thing,” Rogelio said lightly.

Paloma who had just placed the dirty dishes into the bathtub where to wash, immediately turned his head. Intention to wash the dirty eating utensils earlier, he paused. Paloma wiped his wet hands, then sat back on the wooden chair of the dining table. “Dad knows where I should send my application?” tanyanya expectantly.

“Of course,” replied Rogelio.

Paloma stared fixedly at his father-in-law. “Where?” ask again.

“Padaku. I offer the position, to be a representative in business cooperation with Mr. Castaneda.”