Father arrived at the farm in a cream linen suit, a yellow and maroon tie, two-tone black and white shoes, and a Panama hat in his hand. His hair was neatly packed down with brilliantine, and his face was closely shaved except for a perfectly shaped thin mustache. He was a sensual being able to arouse those around him, regardless of what gender they were. All he had to do was turn his head down and cock it to one side before looking up with longing in his eyes—that was his charm.
Invited to come into the formal part of the newly built house displaying comforts that he had never seen, Father spoke to Mamá in the traditionally expected small talk.
“¡Qué calor tenemos!” and “¿Y su familia está bien?” he asked, limiting the conversation to the hot weather, and inquiring after her family, always taking care to use the formal Su when addressing her, instead of the familiar Tu.
Then Papá spoke, and more small talk followed about Father’s family and their farm, and about visiting hours and days. Father didn’t know that the decision to allow him to date their daughter had already been made by them.
Through it all, Mother and her sisters listened from behind a nearby wall.
This was an important moment for the family. Even more important for Mother, as she was the first—not her oldest sister, Consuelo—to have a boy officially come to the house. Mother believed she had become the center of the home.
With formalities over and permissions out of the way, Mother was brought out and told to sit with Father for a time while Mamá sat within eyesight—an awkward moment for two people who were no more than strangers to each other at the time.
d
Mother recognized Father at once, remembering his awkward movements on the dance floor, but also how his touch had made her feel. This memory made her look forward to his visits, even if they had to take place with Mamá sitting just on the other side of the great hall.
d
It didn’t take long for her to be disappointed by his quiet demeanor and the seriousness of his face. In silence, she wondered if he was the person that she could be happy with. But it was too late to change her mind because Father and Papá had quickly built a bond that seemed to others like that of a father and son. How could she walk away from this situation without admitting defeat and angering everyone?