The Casa Del Castaneda

Hope that's Away

“Paloma? Are you still there?” ask Sebastian from across the street. However, Paloma did not immediately reply. The woman's mind was floating out of nowhere. He stared at Rafael. Paloma kept watching him.

“Paloma? Did you hear me?” Sebastian spoke again.

After being named twice, Paloma woke up. He turned his eyes the other way. Paloma even moved. The woman chose to sit on the edge of the bed. “Sorry, Sebastian. Me ...” Paloma speech is paused.

“Are you busy?” ask Sebastian who is uncomfortable with Paloma's attitude. “I can call you later if you have any business,” said the Spaniard.

“Ah, no. Yes ... um.. I mean ...” Paloma was confused as to what to say. To be honest, he was not concentrating. “Sebastian, I'm worried about something,” Paloma said later.

“About what?” ask the owner of the olive tree.

“Rafael,” Paloma replied slowly.

“Did he try to hurt you again? I told you how many times you didn't ..”

“No.No. Not that,” Paloma denied immediately.

“Then?” ask Sebastian again.

Paloma breathed a long breath. There was doubt in his heart, to discuss something related to Rafael. However, Paloma was also feeling restless. “There was someone who sent a threatening message to Rafael. He said that such a message had been received twice. Me ...”

“Why should you worry about a jerk like him? Even if he dies, it'll be much better. That way, you do not have to be bothered anymore to take care of your divorce process,”, Sebastian said in a tone of dislike.

Such attitude from Sebastian, of course, makes Paloma show a look of disbelief. Paloma didn't know how to respond, to a speech that sounded less appropriate than someone as educated as Sebastian Cruz Castaneda.

One oddity wrapped in suspicion, suddenly present fizzled the mind of the twenty-five-year-old woman. Sebastian, it sounds so easy to say that Rafael deserved to die.

Nah!

Paloma shook his head. He did not want to be prejudiced, against the man who had managed to divert his attention from Rafael. However, all possibilities can still happen. Should Paloma suspect the ruler of Casa del Castaneda?

“Sebastian. Are you aware of what you just said?” tegur Paloma can't believe it.

“What's really why? What's the problem?” Sebastian asked back.

“You ...” It was hard for Paloma to reveal what was on his mind.

“Rafael is too jerk! He deserves the consequences of all his actions! Why should you worry about someone who has made your life suffer for years?” Sebastian snorted in annoyance. The man's mood was back in chaos. The quarrels after the quarrels continued, thus making him lose concentration to settle other affairs.

“Iya, I know that what Rafael is doing is outrageous. However, it is not appropriate for you to say such a scary thing,” protested Paloma.

Sebastian laughed at Paloma's words. His laughter sounded like someone who seemed to be mocking. “Gosh,” sigh the man then. “So, now you feel that I was wrong for paying more attention to you? Please, Paloma! Get up and get up! What do you expect from a guy like Rafael? Why did you choose to stay with him?” Sebastian's intonation is rising. The handsome man became very sensitive. His sense of disappointment towards Paloma's attitude, made it difficult for him to control his anger while talking to the young woman.

“How many times should I tell you, Sebastian. I have to stay with him for three months. That is an absolute requirement before being able to carry out further divorce proceedings!” Paloma's tone went up, following Sebastian's attitude which he thought was annoying.

“Stop, Sebastian!” sentak Paloma cut the sentence of the owner of the largest olive plantation in Porcuna. Paloma had lost his temper.

“We just know each other and are learning to explore their own nature. However, I did not expect that you could say something as hurtful as before. You're worrying me, Sebastian. I thought you wouldn't hurt me, even if it was just words. However, in fact you are ...” Paloma deliberately did not continue his sentence, then ended the call without saying goodbye first.

“Oh, God. Why is it so heavy?” Paloma began to cry while banging his head using both hands tightly clenched. “If I had died with you Nilo, maybe I wouldn't have felt the burden of life as it is today,”.

“I don't like those words, Paloma,” said a voice coming from the doorway. Making Paloma look at him instantly.

Rafael was already standing while folding his hands on his chest. The man leaned his arm against the wall beside the entrance. “What happened so you wanted to die with Nilo? Is it because of Sebastian?” tanyakanya.

Paloma who had averted his eyes, turned back to look at Rafael. However, a moment later the woman chose to duck deeply. “Go, Rafael. I want to reflect on myself,” drive him out slowly.

“No,” reject Rafael firmly. “I won't go anywhere!” The handsome, curly-haired and slightly puffed-up man walked over. Raphael then sat down next to Paloma.

“I used to obey Selena's words to let her reflect on herself. Then, when I came back, it turned out that he had hanged himself." Rafael smiled bitterly. “I won't let the same happenings repeat to anyone. Especially to you, Paloma. I promised to make you happy for the next three months, before I gave it back to Sebastian.”

“I won't see her again until we're officially divorced,” says Paloma sure.

“What if the divorce process lasts longer than we thought?” How did it really last more than two years, like you told me?” Raphael exposes the body completely to Paloma.

“As you once said. If Sebastian really loves me, then he'll be waiting for me for whatever it is. Anyway, I just realized that I don't know him very well yet.” Paloma breathed deeply.

Rafael stared in disbelief when he heard the explanation of the woman who was still his legal wife. “Nothing else you sacrificed, Paloma. Especially feelings. I better give up ...”

Rafael was silent for a moment while thinking.

“Actually ... You can do everything you want, Paloma. You don't have to obey the priest's words. You can even go out and have a relationship with anyone,” Rafael said again after being silent for a while.

“What do you mean?” Paloma turned back to Rafael while frowning.

“As I used to be. I can marry Tatiana, even though I'm still married to you. You only need a valid divorce papers in the eyes of the law. Provided all conditions have been met on a civil note,” explained Rafael.

“Do not care what the pastor says. We ... I mean .. You live your life. You know best how comfortable or happy you are. How painful and sad,” continued Rafael lethargic.

“How can I ignore the words of the pastor?” Paloma snorted annoyed. “I am not a religious person. However, for me our marriage used to be a real thing and not a joke. The pastor used to tie us up in a sacred rope, so he is the one who has the right to remove the knot. It doesn't matter if we're legally separated."

Paloma was silent for a moment. His gaze was fixed on the carpeted floor. Paloma was again worried about her feelings. Beautiful hope is like coming back away, and as if leaving it.

Meanwhile, Rafael also fell silent, although his heart was curious. However, he did not want to disturb Paloma's daydream.

“Let Sebastian wait. I want to know, how big his love is and how much he sacrificed to get me,” Paloma concluded before standing up and coming out of the room.