Chapter 7
1035 Words
Ines
I was outside picking some herbs from my mother’s garden when Señora Hernández arrived. She was smiling widely and waved at me as she got off her horse.
I waved back and stood to greet her.
“Señora Hernández, what a surprise to see you,” I said taking my gardening gloves off.
“I’m sorry to drop by unannounced Ines; I just wanted to stop by and bring these fresh bottles of milk. We milked our cow this morning.”
I nodded and smiled as I took the bag she held with the 4 bottles. I was fond of their cow; her name was Lola and I had helped feed her as a kid.
At first she had scared me but it was Vicente who introduced me to her and placed hay in my hand to feed her.
Afterwards he showed me how to pet her and where her favorite scratch area was. At the end, Lola even let me hug her.
Another reason as to why I had fallen in love with him.
“I’m sorry señora, but Ma just left to town.”
“Really? I didn’t see her.”
“Pa and her took the long route,” I said sighing. Ever since Pa returned they had both been like two love struck youngsters. They kissed nonstop and hugged eachother every time they could.
It was rather annoying but it was also beautiful to see how much they loved eachother.
I had always dreamed of a love that strong.
“Oh well, that’s alright. I’ll just wait here for a bit I suppose,” Señora Hernández said.
“Oh, I’m sure it’ll be a long time.”
“Nonsense, I’ll wait for her. In the mean time I’ll help you with whatever you are doing Ines.”
Señora Hernández crouched down where I was and looked up at me with a wide smile. Her honey eyes shimmered in the sunlight.. just like Vicente’s.
I sighed, knowing I couldn’t say no to her so I went inside to put the milk away and brought an extra basket out for her.
“What are we picking?” She asked.
“Everything ready to harvest. Herbs, vegetables and fruits if they’re ready.”
In no time, Señora Hernández had filled her basket with tomatoes, lavender, rosemary and even gathered lemons in her apron.
I watched in wonder at how quickly she worked. It would have taken me hours to gather everything she had.
“You seem at a loss for words Ines,” she said laughing.
“You are just, amazing.” I admitted. “I’ve never seen anyone work so fast.”
“Well, helping run a wine business is no easy task. Especially when you’re working among other men.”
I got up and took our baskets inside. I came out a cup of water for her and I.
“Is it hard?” I asked. “Working with only men?”
Señora Hernández shrugged. “Sometimes. A lot of the workers still see me as inferior; they get upset or ignore me when I ask them to do something.”
I frowned, “I’m sorry.”
“It’s not ideal but I manage.” She drank her water and smiled. “My husband and son don’t tolerate it though.”
I smiled too. I had seen Señor Hernández love and respect his wife endlessly; I knew Vicente was no different.
“Your husband loves you very much,” I told her. “It’s beautiful really.”
“Yes, it’s been quite a journey with him. I wouldn’t have chosen anyone else.”
I drank my water and picked at my apron, I couldn’t help but dream of a world in which Vicente loved me as his parents loved eachother.
“Your parents love eachother dearly as well,” Señora Hernández added. “I’ve never seen such blind devotion.”
I smiled. “Yes, their love is inspiring too. They’ve battled so much to be together.”
I thought back to what I had heard people say about me, my mother and what other men had told my father. The gossip, envy and prejudice knew no end.
Señora Hernández reached out to hold my hands. “Those who can’t admire the love your parents have for one another and for you are idiots. Imbeciles.”
“It’s hard to ignore them,” I admitted.
She nodded sadly. “I know I will never understand your pain and anger, and I won’t try to act as if I do. Just know that when things get hard, my family and I will be in your corner. Always.”
Tears filled my eyes and I hugged her. It was out of impulse but thankfully I was hugged back.
Señora Hernandez kissed my hair and wiped my tears away. “You’ve grown up to be such a beautiful young lady,” she said. “You’re better than any I’ve ever met.”
I laughed. “You give me far too much praise.”
“Nonsense. I don’t give enough.”
We both sat comfortably next to one another on the grass and I noticed that Señora Hernández was looking at a dead plant in a pot.
“That is my poor attempt at trying to grow Spanish Bluebells,” I said laughing. “I couldn’t keep them alive for long.”
“You like Spanish Bluebells?”
I nodded eagerly. “They’re my favorite flower. I love their form and the way the blue can replicate the color of the sky and sea. They don’t get as much attention as other flowers.”
Señora Hernández grinned as she reached out to touch the dead plant.
“That’s marvelous.”
“The dead plant?” I asked confused.
“Yes.”
“Why?”
She smiled even wider. “Because I know someone who can help. Someone who secretly is great at planting and happens to love Spanish Bluebells too.”
I raised an eyebrow. “Who?”
Señora Hernández looked at me with a mischievous look in her eyes. “Vicente of course. It’s just splendid. I’ll have him come help you straight away.”
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