Romelia

Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

Chapter 35

Chapter 36

Chapter 37

Chapter 38

Chapter 39

Chapter 40

Chapter 41

Chapter 42

San Francisco, California 1945

The cold, damp wind whipped Romelia’s thin cloth coat against her. Had it always been so cold this time of year?

Each breath was labored as she forced herself to walk up the hill to her apartment. How had it all become so hard? Everyone around her was celebrating and yet it was so dark in Romelia’s world.

I used to love these hills, she thought as she made herself climb the last block to her door. Now they are hard, like so many things. The hills were always a challenge. They always made me feel like I was on top of the world—a mountain climber, a conqueror.

Only a few more yards. A few more steps. I have done so much, I can do this.

Chapter 1

Escuintla, Guatemala 1898

T he warm fragrant spring breeze brought the smell of orchids through the nursery windows. Today was an important day. Romelia Maria Anna Esteves’ fifth birthday. Her two older sisters and younger brother would have to be nice to her all day. And Margarita promised she would have her favorite dinner and presents. Of course, it would all have to be hidden from Papa.

Papa still held onto the old customs. Children were not to know their birthdays until they were 10 years old. But Mama and the children had their secrets and aided by Margarita they would have their party, even if they had to stay in the nursery.

Besides, Papa was too involved with Manuel Cabrera’s election to notice the household activity. Senor Cabrera promised progress and prosperity and Papa was one of his most ardent supporters.

Romelia did not mind. If Papa was busy with business, the household was relaxed and the children were given liberties.

Placing all her dolls and trinkets in order, Romelia took care in lining them up by height and color. Mama always said that girls were neat and clean and the church taught that cleanliness is next to godliness. Adjusting her petticoat and her bright patchwork skirt, Romelia took one quick look around and nursery to make sure everything was in order before she headed to the patio in search of Margarita and her sisters.

Margarita, why must we sit here working on the stitches when it’s such a beautiful day? , Carolina whined. All of our friends will be at the creek, playing in the water. Why must we remain here, doing this infernal embroidery?

Because Señor Estevez has said that while your brother is studying you girls should be learning your work. Tuesday is for embroidery, tomorrow is for music, Thursday for drawing… . you know your schedule, Carolina. Margarita, hired for her patience and diligence in instructing her charges, was severely tried by Carolina. In her 20 years of rearing other people’s children, she’d never encountered such a headstrong and beautiful girl. Perhaps her disposition was a payment to God for her beauty, Margarita thought as Romelia skipped across the courtyard to her seat between her two older sisters.

Since today was her birthday, Margarita had allowed her an extra hour of play before her instruction. Taking her place on the bench, Romelia began the task of moving the needle in and out, up and down, trying to imitate Carolina and Laurita’s more precise, sophisticated patterns.

Carolina had silky, waist-length, black hair and wide hazel eyes. Of the four children, she most resembled her mother in appearance. Their dispositions could not be more different. Whereas her mother was sweet natured and pliant, Carolina was always questioning. It was never enough to hear the reason for a rule, Carolina had to challenge and prod and cajole. Even after an explanation, Carolina needed to know why and rarely agreed with the response. Luckily, her mother and Margarita were patient beyond belief and her father tended to concentrate on his cattle business and his only son and said his prayers every night that he would have her married at an early age into a prosperous family.

Laurita inherited more of her mother’s pleasant nature and a good deal of her father’s athletic tendencies. At nine she was fearless. Always anxious to ride the newest horse on the ranch or challenge the ranch hand’s children to a foot race. Laurita was active and sturdy, happiest when she was moving. The ‘instruction days’ as her mother called them were always a chore for Laurita, as opposite as to what she would choose as could be. However, because she was obedient and easy-going she did whatever was asked of her, all the while planning her next adventure and counting the hours until she could run or swim or ride.

Romelia was obedient too, although even at five she realized her place in the household. The most introspective of her family, she observed her older siblings, content to live in her own small world while observing the larger lives around her. Because she was not a handful like Carolina, nor too boyish as her father thought Laurita to be, she was by default her father’s favorite of his female children.

Although Rodrigo, her brother, was only four he was already the delight of his father’s life. The lightest in complexion of the Esteves family, he showed promise of filling in the same classic features of his father, Donato Esteves. His thick glossy hair was much lighter than his relatives, turning almost a chestnut brown in the warm Guatemalan sun. Even as a baby, friends and relations of the family would stop and exclaim over Rodrigo’s unusual hair. Romelia thought such beautiful hair was wasted on a boy, but even at her tender age she was smart enough to realize that Rodrigo was the chosen one in her parent’s eyes and she should not say anything that might be taken as criticism against him. And even when Rodrigo was moody and ill tempered, Romelia adored him as any loving, well-trained older sister should.

Just as Romelia thought she could not bear to stitch one more letter ‘E.’ in green thread, Señor Martinez, Rodrigo’s tutor, entered the courtyard with a sullen Rodrigo in tow.

Senorita Margarita, Señor Rodrigo is in your care for the midday meal. I will retrieve him after siesta.. Señor Martinez, hired by Donato Esteves to teach Rodrigo reading, writing and arithmetic always seemed to need his siesta more than the children. Rodrigo was very young for such instruction, but Donato Esteves was an ambitious man and understood from his own experience that an early and rigorous education was critical for success in business. So, every morning, except on Sunday, mass day, Señor Martinez marched the usually unwilling Rodrigo into the one-room schoolhouse built specifically for the youngest member of the Esteves family. The room was large enough so that if God so blessed Donato and Vittoria, it could accommodate at least three or four additional mail Esteves children.

While Donato appreciated education and was willing to pay top dollar for a teacher like Señor Martinez, the education of girls was not as important or valuable and so Senorita Margarita could attend to their basic skills as a part of their overall training. The girls were also instructed six days per week, but minimal time was invested in reading, writing and arithmetic and these lessons were usually at the end of the day after siesta, when their interest was waning.

The most productive morning time was concentrated on music and the arts, both classical and domestic. Each girl was taught to sing, play the piano, draw and do needlework. If time allowed, they could also basket weave and paint. Most families in the Esteves’s wealthy circle felt an obedient and quiet daughter a status symbol and while the men were expected to participate in heated discussions of politics and economy, the most refined women were not allowed to voice an opinion, especially in public.

The girls were constantly taught on a less formal basis by their mother the finer points of behavior in their daily interactions. Always speak quietly and calmly in a low voice, even when upset. Never question any male relative or senior female relative, either in public or in private. Lower your eyes when spoken to by anyone not your peer. Keep yourself and your belongings clean and contained. And always do as your father instructs because God made him the head of the family and therefore he knows what is best.

Senorita Margarita led her charges off the patio into the casa where the polished wooden dining table was laden with the midday meal, the largest of the day.

Vittoria, the children’s mother, sat at one end of the long table speaking quietly with one of the servants. As a servant moved away, Vittoria’s face lit up seeing the children enter the room. Come in muchachos. Take your seats. Vittoria, still stunning in her late 20s, lived for her children. She was as refined as any woman in her social circle, yet she longed to run to her children and smother them with hugs and kisses. But Donato would be joining them for the desayuno and she didn’t dare be caught in such an unladylike act.

Before she could ask them about the morning’s instructions, Donato strode in. He was not a tall man, but his demeanor and carriage always made him appear to be much larger than he was. Thick dark hair topped classical features. He always was impeccably dressed and immaculately groomed. Although he was one of Escuintla’s wealthiest cattle ranchers, he rarely dirtied his hands with ranchers work. Instead, he was a manager and a delegator, extremely careful with the fortune left him by his father.

Buenos dias. He took his place at the head of the table. After they said grace, he turned to Romelia and asked about her day. This unusual attention was his way of acknowledging his youngest daughter’s special day. As was the custom, he would not tell his children their actual birthdates until the 10th birthday when there would be a fiesta. Vittoria could never understand this tradition, so as soon as she thought the children capable of keeping a secret, she would tell them each their birth dates. The secret however, had to be kept between her, Margarita and the siblings. Donato, like most Guatemalans was strict with customs and traditions.

Papa, today I did my needlework. Would you like to see it after our meal?

Certainly. Señorita Margarita has told me how much you’ve improved. Donato motioned for the servants to begin serving food. All of Romelia’s favorites were there. Cucumber soup, beef steaks with onions, rice with peppers, steaming hot tortillas, freshly made salsa, artichoke salad and radish salad. Lunch was always the largest meal of the day and the only meal the children ate with both their parents.

After the servants had retreated to the shadows of the room, Donato turned to Vittoria.

Manuel Cabrera has asked me to be an advisor to him. I will be meeting him in Guatemala City once a month. Very informal, I will just be letting him know how Escuintla is faring.

Why, Donato, I am so proud! To be asked is such an honor! Vittoria beamed.

Yes and it should only take me away from the ranch a few days a month. I think my cousin Justino may have recommended me. You know he is very close to Cabrera.

Rodrigo, please chew your food with your mouth closed! Vittoria motioned for the servants to begin clearing.

"Donato, the summer clothes we had made for the girls and me are ready now. When will we be going to Lake Atitlan?

Each summer, the family went to the lake for two months. There were no’ instructions’ and only a few servants came with them while the majority stayed at the large hacienda. Because there was only a handful of the Mayans in the house, Romelia’s parents were much less formal. Both Donato and Vittoria were more free with affection and less stilted in their interactions. It was almost as though there were two versions of their family. One the formal side that was staged ten months of the year for their social circle and the other was an easier, more relaxed happier version.

Of course, the children preferred the summer. Not only did they have their mother’s undivided attention, but they also saw a better side of their father. He was calmer, less prone to fits of temper and even fun for them to be around. He would swim with them, fish, go for long hikes pointing out the local flora and naming the diverse birds and animals they encountered in their journeys.

Donato cleared his throat. Vittoria, I wanted to discuss our summer with you. I will have to join you a couple of weeks later. Because of my work with Cabrera there are matters I need to attend to with him in the city before I go.

Vittoria’s face fell and she quickly lowered her eyes so the children wouldn’t see her disappointment. You, of course, will do what you must. I only hope it won’t be too long. We all enjoyed our time with you there.

No, I will be as quick as I can. It’s important that I curry favor with him while he is still organizing the government.

Donato had never given Victoria reason to believe he had strayed, as most of his peers had, so she didn’t want him to think her disappointment was a reflection of her doubting his fidelity.

Of course, we understand. Don’t we children?

All four heads bobbed agreement. Yes, papa, we will miss you though, Carolina answered.

Yes, we will just have that much more fun when we are together, Donato closed the subject as the lunchtime puddings were set in front of him.

Chapter 2

Fall 1901

This just has to fit, Margarita! Carolina pouted and pulled her stomach in as far as she could. How could it be so tight when Mama just had it made?

Because you are growing up, Muchacha! Soon you will be dating and getting married ! Margarita pulled another dress from the armoire for Carolina.

Who will go with me on my dates?

Margarita’s eyebrows rose as she took a closer look at Carolina. So, she had been thinking about dating!

Well, either your cousin Fernando or maybe his brother Diego. Certainly Rodrigo is too young.

Carolina easily slipped the second dress on, turning in front of the floor mirror to admire itself from every angle. Yes, this is much better!

No one sparkled as much as Carolina did when she was happy, thought Margarita. God bless the man they could keep her that way, with her temper.

Carolina sat to brush her long, shiny black hair, Margarita turned to help Laurita into her dress.

Well, miss, have you decided which one to wear tonight?

Oh Margarita, you pick. It really doesn’t matter one way or the other to me.

Flashing her wide hazel eyes at her sister, Carolina’s temper flared. Don’t you care what you look like? You are a reflection on me and our family!

Laurita look calmly at her sister, having lived with her long enough to know how to avoid escalating Carolina’s volcano of a temper.

You always pick just the right dress, Carolina. Why don’t you choose for me? I’d never want to embarrass you, but you are so pretty no one will be looking at me anyway.

Margarita glanced at Laurita, never sure if her pleasant ways were just that or maybe something a bit more manipulative. Either way, Carolina glowed even more from her sister’s complement and busily set to pulling dresses from the armoire and closet holding each up to Laurita to see the effect. She settled on a bright sapphire blue dress.

Laurita slipped into it and looked to her sister for approval, as Romelia skipped into the room.

How pretty you both look. Romelia threw herself into a chair by the mirror. Will you be staying out as late as Papa and Mama?

Of course not you dolt. You know we will be sent home earlier! Carolina never minced words.

Laurita sat on the arm of the chair and pulled Romelia toward her in a hug." Would you like me to bring you home a flower so you can draw it in class this week?’

Oh, Laurita, that would be wonderful please bring me something unusual.

I’ll try.

All four turned as Vittoria swept into the room. Always a beautiful woman, each advancing year only accentuated her loveliness.

Oh, mother how beautiful you look, Carolina gushed, rushing to touch the lush emerald green folds of Vittoria’s dress.

Thank you, darling. This was made from the fabric your father brought home from Guatemala City last month. Are you girls ready?

Yes, Mama, they both replied in unison.

Vittoria smoothed Romelia’s hair and brushed her cheek with her lips and followed the girls out of the room.

Well, Romelia, what will you be doing to fill your evening? Margarita started fluffing and re-hanging the dresses strewn across the room.

I have some of Rodrigo’s books. I’ve been waiting until Papa was out of the house, so now I can enjoy them for the rest of the night!

Margarita finished putting the room and order. And what are these books about?

Just some of his school books from last year. Don’t worry, he has new ones now. These are about geography and history and science. Romelia could never understand why she had to read in hiding. Her mother caught her reading her brother’s discarded schoolbooks over the years and had reprimanded her severely.

What would your father say? How would you seem to other people? Vittoria had been shocked. Neither of your sisters has ever given me this trouble. After several more discoveries of Romelia with a stack of outdated books, Vittoria gave up. All Romelia wanted to do was stay busy. Carolina had her primping, clothes and gossiping with her friends and now boys. Laurita was always engaged in some physical activity, swimming, hiking, horseback riding. She never seemed to stop moving. And her pleasant personality drew people to her like a magnet so she was never lonely.

Romelia was quieter, more introspective and more observant. She preferred to sit back and watch the interactions and many dramas around her. And the schoolbooks gave her so much to think about. Whole new fields of science and math. Glimpses of strange countries and past lives that shaped the world beyond her small life. She would lose all track of time with her nose buried in a book, back in a corner of a room. On days when she was feeling especially brave and Papa was immersed in business, she would smuggle a book out to the far end of the patio. Behind the lush foliage surrounding the shallow reflecting pool, she would find whole new worlds.

None of the servants would ever report her to Donato. Romelia was a quiet, happy girl and they had all seen flashes of Donato’s temper. No one wanted to be the one to direct that anger at the kind child who always had a ready, shy smile for them.

So, both Margarita and Victoria had given up scolding her. While they wouldn’t help her, they would turn a blind eye when they saw her with a book.

Rodrigo was all too happy to loan her any book that