The Casa Del Castaneda

Smile on Pale Face

Paloma instantly froze after hearing Carlos' words. He looked sharply at the curly-haired man who looked misbehaved. Carlos rubbed his neck repeatedly. The discomfort he could not hide.

Fortunately, the bell for the start of work on the plantation had rung. It seemed to be a savior of the guilt of what Carlos had just said. He cursed in his heart, unable to guard his tongue.

"I'll excuse you. The working hours have begun" Carlos said goodbye. He nodded politely to Martin, then passed from there while exhaling a sigh of relief.

Meanwhile, Martin felt the same way as Carlos. The man with the fedora hat scratched his non-itchy forehead. A sense of compassion arose in his heart. As a good man, he felt he had to do something. At least, a speech that can slightly melt the atmosphere. “What's your plan now?” ask carefully.

“Come on,” Paloma replied lethargic. “I thought Rafael was here. That way, I do not have to look everywhere,” said the long-haired woman. Paloma lowered his face. Looking at the dry land he was looking at.

“Are you going to Sevilla to look for him?” ask Martin.

Paloma did not immediately answer. Worry enveloped the heart of the brunette. “I had to meet with Rafael, to ask him for certainty about our marriage status. However, the whereabouts of the man is unclear where. Meanwhile, I ... I only have a little money.” Paloma exhales with complaints. His hope to immediately set a future without the shadow of Rafael, seems to be delayed again.

“You're right. Seville is a big city. It won't be that easy to find someone there" Martin said. "If you want, just stay here for some time,” the man suggested. “Moreover, this weekend Mr. Sebastian will hold a big banquet. Usually, he invited many guests to the Casa del Castaneda. It takes a lot of work to get everything ready. You'll get a decent wage if you're willing to help."

“What should I do?” ask Paloma. Apparently, he had no other choice. By returning to Granada, he will only make the journey he has traveled to be in vain. In Granada, Paloma only works in a grocery store owned by a neighbor.

“For that matter, Mrs Raquela is much more understanding. He will explain what your duties are,” replied Martin. “Back in. Meet Mrs Raquela or Mrs Matilde. Tell them you'll be working here to help prepare for the weekend banquet. If you find an obstacle, don't hesitate to meet me. I'll try to get you a place here."

Paloma didn't know what to say. She was grateful to be reunited with a kind-hearted man like Martin. The hazel-eyed lady nodded in agreement. “Good. Thank you, Mr. Aguirre,” he said slowly, but very sincerely.

“My name is Martin. You can call me that.” The man with the fedora hat smiled calmly as he stared gently at Paloma. For some reason, he was so fond of the iris of the woman's eyes before him.

However, Martin does not want to be dissolved in a dream that is not-no. He soon awakens. “I have to go to the plantation immediately. Hope you feel at home here.” After saying so, the sturdy body in the checkered shirt turned around. Passed from the front of Paloma who had been glued in place, until the woman decided to return inside.

Like Martin's orders, Paloma soon found Raquela. He said as Martin had suggested. Raquela immediately accepted without asking any questions. The middle-aged woman also gave Paloma a special uniform of servants. “You can work from today,” said the butler.

......................

“Mr Sebastian has a big banquet every year in Casa del Castaneda. In the event, there will be many invited guests who all come from the top. That's why we have to present something very special. Food is also the best service.” Raquela briefed the dozens of servants she had gathered.

“Our time to prepare for this event is not long. Unlike previous years, where Mr. Sebastian gave time for one week. In this banquet, he had only provided two days of preparation. As much as possible, we should make the best use of that very little time. There is no reason to make mistakes, because we have added personal that will help do everything. So, let's start.”

Everything in the kitchen started to get busy. Matilde had already divided dozens of maids who were all female, into groups with their respective duties. That way, everyone gets the same job. No one is a foreman. No one is tired alone.

Incidentally, Paloma was in a group with Flor. The blonde-haired young lady was delighted, as Paloma decided to remain in Casa del Castaneda. Familiarity is increasingly established between the two. Not infrequently, there are laughter tucked in between the tasks they are working on.

“Do you know why Mr Sebastian always has a big banquet?” paloma asked when they had returned to the room. Preparation for the banquet, will be continued tomorrow morning.

“Mr Sebastian hosts the event every year. Moreover, when his wife named Mrs Brishia was still there. After the departure of Mrs Brisinia, Mr. Sebastian no longer held the big party. This was the first time he had invited so many people back. I think he's feeling bad. That's why, we are given two days,” explained Flor who was already in his bed. The young woman, lying down while facing the ceiling.

While Paloma chose the same position, even though all he could see was the bottom of Flor's bed. A very boring sight. “So, Mr Sebastian is a widower?” Paloma responded to Flor's remarks without changing positions.

“Yes. His late wife was very beautiful as well. I always remember his generosity towards me and my mother. However, it was a pity that he had to leave so quickly.” Flor clucked slowly. “I guess, that's why Mr. Sebastian chose to live alone. For her, it was like no woman could take the place of Lady Brishia. It was well worth it in my opinion, although sometimes I imagine being able to replace that woman.” Flor laughed amusedly at his own words.

“You mean?” Paloma did not understand.

Flor's up. He looked down, until his long hair dangled covering part of the face. “Have you not met Mr Sebastian in person?” tanyakanya.

“Not yet. You know for yourself that I had no intention of working here before. I am still in this place for just one reason,” Paloma replied.

“We're both here for one reason. That's for sure,” reply Flor.

“Ya, you're right.” Paloma smiled knot. Flor did not know that Paloma needed the money he would use to find Rafael to Sevilla.

“If you had met Mr. Sebastian face to face. You must have instantly forgotten all the men you've dated in the past. Maybe it will also be the biggest regret of your life,” said Flor sounds so excessive to Paloma.

“So incredible is that guy?” paloma asked doubtfully.

However, Flor did not answer. The blonde-haired young lady laughed again. “You will know for yourself later,” he replied. “Already. We better get some rest. We'll have exhausting days tomorrow, the day after tomorrow, and the next few days. Ah, gosh. I want to be a rich man soon and be able to sleep whenever I want,” Flor said.

The next day, Paloma resumed work that was not yet finished. Today, it is certain that they will work much harder. There is no time to prepare. It was all for the sake of an extraordinary banquet event, without the slightest flaw that could humiliate the host.

In between the busy kitchen and the spacious hall that will be the venue for the event later tonight, they still remain joking in order to reduce the sense of fatigue that whack. And so is Paloma. For a moment, the owner of the hazel eyes can slightly forget all the pain he felt. Martin who happened to pass there, had seen a sweet smile painted on Paloma's pale face.