Men of the Cave (Symbol of Hope Series) (2 page)

Compared to Palma, this village appeared empty. A handful of elderly villagers walked the streets. Cars parked on the sides of the street, but my taxi was the only one in motion. 

As soon as we turned, I saw a blue awning hanging over a set of wicker chairs and tables. Above the blue canopy, a white sign in cursive, “
EL CARACOLE
.”

A handful of people ate at the outside tables. The first floor of the building was obviously the restaurant part. The building extended one floor above the restaurant. I guessed the Castillo family must live on the second floor. The International Language School organized my two-semester stay here in Deia, as well as my living situation.

My heart thumped when the cab stopped in front of the restaurant. I realized I only spoke twice to
Señor
Castillo. As Renaldo slammed the trunk, I exited the cab.  He set my luggage next to my feet. I smoothed out my blue and brown floral skirt.

The scent of exotic spices and foods stirred my stomach. I realized I was starving. I decided that for the next ten months I would let my vegetarian preferences off the hook and enjoy dishes of all kinds.

Beyond the outdoor dining area, a long open room held round tables with white tablecloths. Large metallic rustic fans hung from the ceiling blowing massive amounts of air. The open restaurant had no air conditioning system.

On the back wall, a brown polished swinging door with a big porthole window led to the kitchen. A mural covered the walls of the entire restaurant. It matched the look of the landscape outside with not nearly the exquisiteness or color scheme of the real landscape. The ambiance from inside the restaurant was loud.

A man walked toward us from the back of the restaurant. Tall and slender with slick, black hair and a full black beard, he looked to be near his forties. He must be
Señor
Castillo since he wore an apron over his white and khaki attire.

As the man stepped from under the awning, he smiled, “Kassandra Reese I assume.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you
Señor
Castillo,” I said. “Call me Kasey.”

“
Vale
, please call me Fernando. I hope you had a good trip,
si
?”

“Yes, thank you.”

“Come, let us meet the family. I will take care of this.” He pulled out his wallet and paid Renaldo. “We would have picked you up ourselves, but with the restaurant, it is very difficult. My apologies,” he said overly theatrical with his gestures.

 “No problem,” I said.

“
Que lo pases bien muñeca
,” Renaldo called. He got into his cab and sped off.

I glanced to Fernando and shrugged my shoulders. I did not understand.

“He said have a good time. He called you a doll.”

“How strange, thank you,” I said.

Fernando extended his hand toward the inside of the restaurant. I followed his gesture. I met some gazes from his customers, they turned away avoiding my glances. They too dramatized their expressions and mannerisms.

“You will be an attraction for the people of this village,”
Señor
Castillo said. He also noticed his customers looking at me.

“What do you mean attraction?”

“Hmmm, not too many young American ladies in this village. The gentleman called you a doll because you look like a porcelain doll, and that is unusual here.”

I smiled and glimpsed down at my brown sandals over my pale feet, “Thank you
señor
.”

It felt awkward being the foreigner. Here in Spain, I’m the one with the unusual sexy accent. Perhaps I should dye my red hair black.

“You will be very popular. Call me Fernando, please.”

We walked through the restaurant, a few customers glimpsed my way. A table of five young guys in their early teens to twenties definitely stole glances. They didn’t seem Spaniard like the other locals eating at the restaurant. Their complexions had a deeper hue. When we reached the back of the room, the rest of the family came through the swinging door.

First out was a lovely and simple looking woman. She was fair and her warm smile made me feel like she should be offering me a fresh warm cookie. Behind her, three kids followed in by the order of their birth. The girl wasn’t too far off from my age. She was the spitting image of her mother, fair skinned with light brown hair. The two boys didn’t look like brothers at all. The youngest had his mother’s pale complexion and a little of both parents in his facial features. The middle brother looked exactly like Fernando.

“Beatriz, Catalina, Garcia, Rodrigo,” Fernando pointed to each person in order as he introduced them. “I would like you to meet Kasey.”

I smiled trying to emulate the warmth that came from Beatriz. “
Mucho gusto
, It’s finally a pleasure to meet you.”

“The pleasure is all ours,” Beatriz said in her heavy accent. She gave me a bear hug and kissed my cheek. She gave her daughter a look as if expecting her to do the same. The girl seemed less enthusiastic about the embrace required of her. She lowered her gaze and with a straight face kissed both my cheeks but there was no hug. The boys followed their sister with some indifference.

“Garcia, Rodrigo, please take her things up to her room,” Beatriz said to her sons.

“
Vale, Mama. Podemos ir a la playa despues
. I will take Rodrigo with me,” Garcia replied to his mother. My Spanish was good enough that I understood he wanted to go to the beach.

Beatriz smiled at me, “We told them they could not go until they met you. They have been waiting all day.” She turned to Rodrigo, “Si.”

Both boys kissed their parents on the cheek, grabbed my things, and ran back through the swinging kitchen door. 

“I will be upstairs on the computer,
vale
,” Catalina sulked. She left without giving her parents a kiss.

“Forgive us for her less than acceptable hospitality,” Beatriz looked concerned as if I were a judge.

“She is a difficult seventeen year-old,” Fernando added.

“She is a strong personality,” Beatriz corrected.

I smiled and changed the awkward subject, “I’m amazed that everyone speaks English and so well too.”

“We must. With the island’s big tourist population it is to our advantage to know a few key languages. The children go to a multilingual school, Spanish, English, and French. Beatriz and I are well versed in English and French as well. I could defend myself fairly well with Italian, Portuguese, and German,” Fernando informed me.

“That’s amazing. My Spanish isn’t nearly that good. I’ll need your help practicing.”

“Of course, here, let me introduce you to some of the
clientele
.” Fernando headed for the outside dining area.

Beatriz interrupted, “She must be hungry I shall bring her food.”

“Gracias Beatriz, I’m starving.”

I followed Fernando to the round table of five guys. Two had their backs to me, but the three I could see were good looking. All five had similar hair, jet-black, except for one. His hair was black with caramel highlights. I couldn’t see his face.

“
Vale
Gentlemen,” Fernando said. “Kasey, I would like you to meet the finest young men and best customers in Deia.” Fernando extended his hand out as we stopped in front of the table.

As if choreographed, the men stood for formal introductions. We exchanged courteous smiles. I glanced over at the two men that I couldn’t see before. They were significantly taller than I, except the twins. The caramel haired one was exquisite, aristocratic. His smile was warm, yet at the same time savagely alluring. His dark eyes were mysterious as if he could see through me. I glanced away. The last man was shaggy, unkempt; with hairy eyebrows, mustache, beard, and mid-shoulder length long hair.

“It is quite a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Kasey. I am Max Kleon.” The one with a tie and suit said in a funny British accent extending his hand. I took it and shook back, speechless. He seemed older than me, with deep black eyes and a large nose. The other two sitting next to Max Kleon were twins, mirror images, except for the different color tee shirts.

“He is one of two doctors we have here in Deia and the oldest of the Kleons,” Fernando offered more information. That would explain the attire.

“These are his brothers, the twins, John and Martin,” Fernando said towards the two youngest of the group. Each said “Hello” and I replied the same in return.

“I am Antony, the second oldest.” The one with the shaggy beard spoke up. He extended his hand and I met it with a reply of, “Nice to meet you Antony.”

Finally, Fernando introduced him.

“This is Dion.” Fernando put his arm around Dion’s shoulders as if he were a son of his.

Dion extended his hand, keeping his smile, “Delighted to meet you, Kasey.”

I took no breaths as I reached out to shake his hand. When our hands embraced, his skin felt baby soft. He shook my hand with the strength of a gentle wind. He didn’t let it go immediately, he held onto it a second longer than he needed to.

“It’s a pleasure,” I replied in a whispered voice, dazed and awestruck.

“Humph,” Max cleared his throat, “My dear, we have all been told of your stay here from America. Where ‘bouts in the States are you from?”

I heard his question but couldn’t put a coherent thought together. His brother, Dion’s eyes left me unable to form words. I struggled for an answer. “From St. Cloud… in Florida.”

Max smiled fully aware I lacked sense.

“That is near Disney, is it not?” One of the twins asked. Which twin was John or Martin?

“Yes, have you been there?”

“Not in a long time,” Antony chimed in.

“I bet we will be seeing that place again soon.” The other twin said as he grinned.

I found the comment odd especially when the other brothers chuckled.

“Why’s that?” I asked.

“Here comes Beatriz with your food. Come Kasey, gentlemen
un gusto
,” Fernando said. He started to lead me away. Forgetting my previous question I quickly said, “It was a pleasure to meet all of you.”

“And the same here. I am sure we will be seeing quite a bit of you,” Max answered. They all resumed their seats.

I followed Fernando to a table at the back of the restaurant near the kitchen door. Beatriz placed a plate on the table with shrimp and what looked like scallop potatoes. To accompany the food, Fernando filled a glass with red wine. Steam rose from the plate. I smelled the succulent aromas of seafood and seasonings. But a feeling of intrigue about the brothers overcame me. They each had auras filled with mystery, especially Dion. He locked me in with his eyes. I wanted to turn and take a glimpse in their direction. Were they discussing me? I sat down at my table and took a quick glance. Dion caught me looking and smiled. Embarrassed, I turned away.

“This smells wonderful. What is it?”

“I hope you do not mind zesty hot. It’s spicy shrimp with garlic and olive oil cooked with
patatas
in
Alioli
sauce,” Beatriz answered.

“I don’t know what
patatas
are, but this is delicious!” I tried to remember my best table manners, but I wanted to scarf it down. I was starving, and the food was heavenly.

“
Patatas
are potatoes,” Fernando informed me.

“Thank you so much. It’s okay for me to have the red wine?” I was not used to drinking.  I think I could count the number of drinks I had in my life on one hand.

“Yes, of course,” Beatriz said.

“I’ve actually never had a glass of real wine before. I have had wine coolers.”

“No real
vino
?” Fernando asked, shocked.

“No, not ever. The drinking age in the States is legally twenty-one.”

“Well, here it is eighteen,” Fernando said.

“I turned eighteen last month.” I was aware that the drinking age in Spain was eighteen. I researched that before I came over.

“Then
perfecto
! No proper meal is enjoyed without a glass of wine.” Fernando placed the glass in my hand.

I brought the glass slowly to my lips tilted it until the dark juice barely touched my lips. I sipped a small amount. It was strong and burned going down. Its flavor was potent and had an oak taste afterward. I made the face you make after you have just swallowed bad tasting medicine.

“You do not like it?” Beatriz asked.

“Keep drinking. You will get used to it,” Fernando urged.

“Oh, it’s just different. It is very heavy. I’m not used to it. That’s all. Thank you,” I took another sip and placed it down on the table.

“Kasey, what are your plans for tomorrow?” Fernando asked.

“I have to go to the school in Palma, fill out my paper work, and meet with the representative. I start my classes this Monday. Is there some way I can get to the school?”

“Hmm, we have a car, but Beatriz is taking the children into San Marina tomorrow to pick up some fresh fish for the restaurant.”

“Oh, is there a bus?” I asked.

A voice from behind jolted me.

 “No need to ride the bus. I will be more than glad to take her down to the school. It is on my way to the theater and truly no problem,” Dion said.

My heart stopped. I must have looked terrified because he leaned his head down toward me and said, “You look concerned, I do not bite and I am a safe driver.”

His light musky scent left a trail behind as he leaned back.

“Dion that would be wonderful!
Muchas gracias
. You boys are always so helpful.” Fernando stood up to shake his hand.

“Yes, thank you.” I half a smiled at him, then turned my eyes to my plate.

“It is my pleasure. Fernando here is our bill.” He handed the check holder to Fernando and said, “I shall see you at nine, Kasey.”

Then he turned to go.

2. Kasey’s Hostile Beginnings

After the scrumptious meal, Beatriz escorted me through the kitchen door up a flight of stairs. The staircase was long and straight with a hazed glass, French door at the top. The living room’s linen and sand drapes complemented the maple wood floors. Modest white furniture evenly spread out through the room. Very Feng Shui.