The Casa Del Castaneda

A Place Full of Memories

“It's nice to see you guys in Spain,” said the man who is none other than Sebastian. He stepped valiantly before Paloma and Rafael. Meanwhile, Rogelio who had come out first, returned to near the entrance.

“What are you doing here?” rafael asked. However, the tone of the man's question sounded less friendly.

“This is Spain, Mr. Hernandez. Spain is the country where I live,” Sebastian replied. He did not want to care about Rafael, because he immediately turned his attention to Rogelio. “How are you, Mr Gallardo?” greet the forty-year-old man was full of dignity.

“I'm very tired. Now, my stomach feels nauseous,” replied Rogelio full of innuendo.

“Oh, unfortunately I did not bring a vomit bag,” Sebastian reply accompanied by a calm smile. After exhaling a short breath, he turned his gaze to Paloma who was carrying Luz Maria. The toddler fell asleep while wrapping his hands around his mother's neck.

“Is that your daughter?” sebastian asked with a different tone of voice. However, there is a beautiful feeling in the long wait that turns out not to give certainty to him.

“Ya,” Paloma reply briefly.

A raging feeling began to whack in Sebastian's chest. If he is not good at controlling himself, then he will definitely say in a loud tone to Paloma. He was eager to bring out all the junk, which he had harbored for so many years. Disappointed at the attitude of Paloma who had been so heartbreaking to throw, and leave it in a painful wait.

“Oh.” Sebastian nodded faintly. He stared at Paloma for a while, until he regained his senses and spoke again. “It just so happens that you came to Spain. Can you come to Casa del Castaneda? There's something I want to return to you.”

Paloma had gasped to hear the word ‘something I wanted to return’. His mind was immediately fixed on the necklace that Sebastian had been holding for a long time. Without a second thought, Luz Maria's mother nodded in agreement. “Sure. I'll be there the day after tomorrow. Tomorrow, we still have an event,”.

‘Good. I wait,” reply Sebastian flat. “Excuse me. Good night.” He nodded politely to Rogelio, but did not look at Rafael again. Sebastian turned to his vehicle.

For a moment, Paloma was stunned staring at the strapping back of the man who was almost a substitute for Rafael. Until Sebastian's body enters and disappears inside the vehicle, Paloma is still glued in place.

“Come, Darling. We must rest immediately,” said Rafael disperse the reverie of Paloma.

“You're right, Rafael,” timpal Rogelio. “Already. My back really hurt. I want to lie down immediately,” complained the middle-aged man again. He turned around, walked ahead to the hotel.

Meanwhile, it's in Sebastian's vehicle. Leandra saw the change in the attitude of the master who changed drastically, after meeting the foreign woman earlier. Leandra wanted to ask. However, he realized that it was not his realm. The woman chose silence and resisted the curiosity in her heart.

The next day, Paloma and Raphael visit Nilo's tomb. The condition of the child's final resting place was very well maintained. However, as beautiful and as clean as any of his first son's navel with Rafael, still can not remove the pain that stifles Paloma's chest. The tears of the beautiful woman kept on dripping. Flowing profusely flooded the cheeks. Wail the pain of a mother over the loss of her beloved son, back present.

“Already, Nak.” Rogelio held Paloma's arm to stay standing. Meanwhile, Rafael just glued while holding Luz Maria.

“Nilo has calmed down in the lap of the Almighty. God loved her. Therefore, he was not allowed to feel pain for too long,” Rogelio said again comforting Paloma.

“My guilt will never run out, every time I remember a son I never touched. If time can be replayed, then I will try to be the best father for him,” said Rafael full of regrets.

“Already, Rafael,” reply Rogelio respond. “Everything that has passed, do not be taken up again. You've been trying. Right now, you have become a great husband to Paloma, and an amazing father to Luz Maria.”

“Stay it feels different, Father,” denies Rafael. “I'd love to feel how to accompany a boy while playing.” Rafael was silent for a moment. He patted the writhing back of Luz Maria in his sleep. Rafael stared at the navel of his first son, who had been neglected a few years ago.

Suddenly, Rafael revealed a faint smile on his lips adorned with a thin mustache. He turned to Paloma who had calmed down. One hand grabbed the wife's shoulder. Raphael held him warmly. “I know what to do, Paloma. In the past, I told you about this,” said Rafael slowly, but sounded very confident.

“About what?” paloma asked, not understanding. He wiped away the remains of his tears until there was nothing left.

“Did you completely forget what I said here a few years ago?” Rafael mumbled softly. He then smiled wryly. “At that time, I said that if I were to die, then I would like to be buried near the navel of Nilo. That way, I can always be by his side. It's okay if Nilo doesn't recognize me as his father. I've seen the boy's face from a photograph. Her little face was imprinted in my memory, and it was impossible to forget.”

“Don't talk carelessly, Rafael. I don't like talking about death,” Paloma refused.

“Paloma true. I just want to live longer so I can see what Luz Maria looks like when she grows up. You should have thought that too, Rafael,” scolded Rogelio as he patted his son-in-law's shoulder. Meanwhile, Rafael just smiled knot. He did not respond anymore especially, because the day was getting hot.

As planned, they would stop by first to Theresa's place. Paloma was eager to meet him. The kind-hearted middle-aged woman, welcomed their arrival at her humble abode.

Until a while Paloma and Theresa let go of longing. Unfortunately, because Luz Maria isn't like Nilo. The beautiful toddler did not want to be touched, especially until held by her sister's former nanny.

“Kalida, tomorrow we will go to Porcuna. However, Luz Maria will not be invited, because I am afraid she is too exhausted,” Paloma told the young woman who is the caretaker of Luz Maria.

“Good, Mistress. You don't have to worry,” says Kalida, a twenty-four-year-old woman who has been Luz Maria's nanny since the toddler was five months old. Paloma had to use the services of a nanny, because he had to continue the position held by Rogelio in the company.

As planned last night, Paloma and Rafael left for Porcuna in a rental car. They left at about ten in the morning. If there are no obstacles on the way, both will arrive in approximately two hours.

Upon arrival in front of the gate with the words Casa del Castaneda, Paloma's feelings became increasingly uncertain. Restless and agitated began to whack. He was so nervous, especially when he saw the host who was waiting on the terrace.

“You all right?” ask Rafael to make sure.

Paloma did not answer. He just nodded while removing his seat belt.