It was a little before 8 o'clock when everyone arrived back at the town house feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. Michael was delighted to find his new wardrobe had been delivered and Sanantonia was kind enough to hang all of his new suits, shirts, jackets, jeans, etc... in his closet, setting out the fourteen pair of shoes and boots on the shelves, even filling the dresser drawers with his silk pajamas, socks, and underwear. She set out on a silver tray, in his bathroom, the new bottles of colognes, after shave, lotions, hair gels and the like for him. Michael felt welcome and more at home, now more than ever, he was very happy to have a closet full of expensive clothes again, for he had left everything he owned back in his apartment at the Marina Towers in Chicago.
Xation, Bengiman, Felina and Michael all dressed themselves in spectacular attire and met down stairs a few minutes before 9:00 that warm, humid Thursday night. Everyone complemented each other on their appearance and soon were on their way, via limousine, to an elegant Parisian style patisserie, the Cafe Los Violetas; which Michael thought odd as they were beginning their evening with dessert not dinner. Felina and Xation explained 'Portenos' do things a little differently here in Argentina. Now Serena and Jerome Hays had not yet arrived, so the four went ahead and ordered a few delicacies. Michael enjoyed the Dulce de Luce, a massive caramel and cookie pastry dipped in sugar, there were fruit filled empanadas, one called camote, a sweet potato filled puff pastry, so delicious, it was like biting into heaven, other varieties were, apple, guava with queso fresco, and a pineapple empanada that was more like cookie. Laughing and chatting as they nibbled on the sweet treats sipping there strong black coffee, and ma'te, a hot, bitter tea the locals consume daily, Xation explained the bitter herbal tea help the Argentines digest the massive quantities of beef they consume. This made perfect sense to Michael who knew how important a healthy digestive tract was to a persons well being.
It was about ten minutes after 9 o'clock when Serena and Hays entered the cafe coming over to the table, where all stood to greet the two with hugs and kisses. Xation threw his arms around Felina and Serena giving them quick little kisses on the lips as his heart was lifted with the joy of being with them. Then Hays gave Felina a long, loving embrace, for she was like a sister to him and he was so relieved she was with him now, safe once again with her family. Felina her heart racing, she turned slowly to embrace her sister tightly as the two shed a few tears, smiling as they wiped away each others tears of sadness and joy. Felina was so pleased to see her little sister again and, though Humberto's death was ruled an accident, Felina still felt responsible for Serena's fiance's death. He had asked Felina to teach him how to ride, a skill Humberto wanted to master to impress his new bride. Recklessly, foolishly, Felina had put Humberto up on a powerful, erratic horse, named Sirocco. Felina knew this was the worst thing an instructor can do to put an inexperienced rider up on such a large, high spirited, 1,000 lb animal, but Felina did. Yes, she was jealous of Humberto and her sister's relationship, and yes, she had tried to hook up with him, before Humberto met Serena. But never did it occur to her what would happen that first day of December. She knew the chances of Humberto getting hurt were good, but Felina thought the likely hood of him actual dying were small. However, unsure of his mount with fear in his heart Humberto went into a panic, when the big grey horse took off at a very high rate of speed. Humberto cried out, mounted high atop the restless stallion, his fearful screams only served to anger the creature; which sensed the trepidation of his rider. Now the horse, as most horses will, tried to dismount his nervous rider by rushing under the low hanging, thick branches of an oak tree. Felina heard the impact of Humberto's head against the wood, the sound was unforgettable and horrific, as he was knocked from out of the saddle. When Felina rode upon the scene she found poor, sweet, Humberto lying under the tree, a large bloody gash on his forehead, exposing part of his brain, his neck broken, eyes closed, head flopped to the side. The young, exuberant man, with his whole life, and wedding just ahead of him, was now dead. Wiping this frightful memory from her mind Felina held her sister close, telling her how much she loved her. Serena smiled, truly glad to have her dear sister safe and alive after everything that had happened to her. So Serena put away any thoughts of ill will or malice, finding room in her heart for forgiveness for her sister, and she was now able to convince herself that, perhaps, Humberto's death was just an accident after all.
Michael watched this touching scene of reconciliation between the two sisters and then he realized Serena was just as beautiful, if not more, as her photographs, she was like a younger version of the lovely Felina, and Michael gave the raven haired, petite young woman a bright, radiant smile of delight when he was finally introduced to the the sexy Latina, Serena Maria de la Rosa Diaz.
Serena stared up at the handsome foreigner and she was immediately taken by his looks, and charm. Now, even though her heart had been utterly crushed by the sudden 'accidental' death of her beloved fiancee, Humberto, Serena did feel a spark of desire stirring in herself for this man she had never met and did not have the pleasure of knowing.
Hays, as well as Bengiman, watched with jealousy as they realized there was a sudden connection between the two of them, and Hays had been trying to win Serena's love and affection for seven long years. Even when Hays was with his wife, back in Texas, he often fantasized about the young, sweet, and lovely Serena. Troubled by the too long of an embrace, Hays interrupted saying "Hays, Jerome Hays." he said extending his hand out to Michael, who, for some reason, seemed a little shocked to meet him.
"Hello." Michael said as he reached out shaking his hand. Now Michael was shocked, for when he had heard the name Jerome, Michael just assumed Jerome Hays was a black man, though Michael said nothing of this to Mr.Hays as he did not want to appear to be a racist. "So nice to meet you, I am Michael" he added as he noticed how tall and thin, Hays was. He had large hands, broad shoulders and was just about an inch taller than Xation and Michael, but not taller than the Goliath of a man Mr.Pruce,
"Yes, my fellow American." Hays replied giving a pleasant smile, shaking Michael's hand staring at him with his bright amber eyes, he had chestnut colored, short, wavy hair, a clean, freshly shaved face with sharp, pointed features, a thin nose, prominent chin, a small mouth with full pink lips. Hays was attractive, but not better looking than Michael or Xation, and he appeared to be strong, athletic, healthy, full of a energy, as if he had just snorted a few lines of high quality cocaine; which he had. And when Hays spoke he used his hands frequently to express himself better.
Now as for the two sisters, they sat beside each other on one side of the table conversing rapidly in Spanish, with words of forgiveness and love. Michael and Bengiman sat beside each other on the opposite side of the table, with Xation and Hays sitting at the ends of the table. Hays mentioned how tan and relaxed Xation and Bengiman looked, asking about their brief visit to the Hawaiian islands. However Xation shied Hays away from this topic of discussion as he did not want to remind Felina of the vacation Bengiman and himself were missing out on. Neither would he allow Hays to make any mention of Felina's tragedy or Michael's involvement in the situation. So Hays changed the subject by pulling out his new cell phone, telling them about the latest technology. They all marveled at the new device, for it was smaller and lighter than the old flip phones they were accustomed to using, and there was no antenna attached. Hays told his fascinated friends about how this new phone was able to send and receive what Hays called, 'text messages'. Michael was amazed, along with everyone else at the table, when he explained how you could send a written message to anyone in the world without even speaking to them.
"Hays, how is this possible? Where is the antenna!" Xation asked bewildered.
"There are 2 antennas, Xation, and they are on a micro-processing chip inside the device." Hays replied with a clever smile. Then he went into a fascinating explanation telling them about fractal geometry, a decade old discovery from one of the geniuses, Dr. Mandelbrot, of M.I.T., Hays' Alma mater. He told the story of how a physics student at N.Y.U., who, as a hobby, had a ham radio. Now he could not get a good signal from his building in the city, and when he tried to install a larger antenna out of his window the tenants and landlord complained. Then using fractal geometry; which is the study of a set of infinitely recursive mathematical functions which seem to mirror natural phenomenon like leaf and cloud formations, the student pulled the circle of his coat hanger antenna into the shape of a cross, and, not only did the antenna work, but the newly shaped antenna was putting out a strong signal for thousands of miles. "So the student sold his idea to Motorola, and now we have this technology and society will soon be able to do many things with these micro-processors!" Hays said enthusiasticaly, as Michael realized just how intelligent Hays was as he went on talking with an unbridled energy that engulfed everyone, who hung on his every word "One day wireless phones will be able to take and send photographs to computers through the Internet and e-mail system." he said looking at his new phone "I will upgrade all your phones by the end of next week." he said eagerly, for Hays was always caught up in the new 'space age' technologies and computer programs coming out of Japan, Apple and M.I.T.. Michael, along with Bengiman, was absolutely clueless when it came to computers and new technology, so he thought it best to move the conversation in another direction.
"So, Hays, how is it you and Xation came to know one another?" Michael asked, as Hays looked over at Michael, you could see his thought process change as Hays explained how he had been working for I.B.M. developing and writing codes for a new computer program; which allowed stock brokers to make trades via computer from anywhere in the world. It was the Summer of 1983, he had been sent out to Manhattan to Stanley Morgan to oversee the installation of his soft ware into the hard drives. Xation was working for the brokerage firm, the two met up and hung out for a few days while Hays was in New York. They had stayed in touch and when Xation started his own brokerage house he hired Hays to design the computer programs for his financial transactions through the Internet banking systems.
"And he was so successful and intelligent, I hired him on as my Vice President." Xation said with a satisfied grin.
"Yes, and we have made millions ever since!" Hays replied with great cheer and satisfaction.
With that Xation felt elated and ecstatic to have his sisters together again as a peace settled over them. Xation could only hope and pray that nothing would ever come between them. Though he did not like the way Serena was looking at Michael, whom she chatted with, flirting with him all night long, dancing close to him, trying to teach him how to tango, touching his hands, kissng him on the cheek, whispering in Michael's ear. It was strange and annoying but Felina, whom was begining to develop strong feelings of love and affection for Michael, she pretended not to notice Serena and Michael's flirtations, as she did not wish to upset her sister by fighting over a man. This caused Xation to begin to worry about Michael and his relationship with his dear sisters. Xation knew very little about Michael, but all he really needed to know was that Michael was tall, handsome, charming, and extremely intelligent, just the type of man his sisters were attracted to. However, later that evening, during their wild night out on the town, drinking, dining, dancing, Xation pulled Hays to the side, handing over all of Michael's identification, instructing Hays to go to his office, first thing in the morning, and get on the Internet to find out everything he can about Dr. Michael Cullen.
Xation, Bengiman, Felina and Michael all dressed themselves in spectacular attire and met down stairs a few minutes before 9:00 that warm, humid Thursday night. Everyone complemented each other on their appearance and soon were on their way, via limousine, to an elegant Parisian style patisserie, the Cafe Los Violetas; which Michael thought odd as they were beginning their evening with dessert not dinner. Felina and Xation explained 'Portenos' do things a little differently here in Argentina. Now Serena and Jerome Hays had not yet arrived, so the four went ahead and ordered a few delicacies. Michael enjoyed the Dulce de Luce, a massive caramel and cookie pastry dipped in sugar, there were fruit filled empanadas, one called camote, a sweet potato filled puff pastry, so delicious, it was like biting into heaven, other varieties were, apple, guava with queso fresco, and a pineapple empanada that was more like cookie. Laughing and chatting as they nibbled on the sweet treats sipping there strong black coffee, and ma'te, a hot, bitter tea the locals consume daily, Xation explained the bitter herbal tea help the Argentines digest the massive quantities of beef they consume. This made perfect sense to Michael who knew how important a healthy digestive tract was to a persons well being.
It was about ten minutes after 9 o'clock when Serena and Hays entered the cafe coming over to the table, where all stood to greet the two with hugs and kisses. Xation threw his arms around Felina and Serena giving them quick little kisses on the lips as his heart was lifted with the joy of being with them. Then Hays gave Felina a long, loving embrace, for she was like a sister to him and he was so relieved she was with him now, safe once again with her family. Felina her heart racing, she turned slowly to embrace her sister tightly as the two shed a few tears, smiling as they wiped away each others tears of sadness and joy. Felina was so pleased to see her little sister again and, though Humberto's death was ruled an accident, Felina still felt responsible for Serena's fiance's death. He had asked Felina to teach him how to ride, a skill Humberto wanted to master to impress his new bride. Recklessly, foolishly, Felina had put Humberto up on a powerful, erratic horse, named Sirocco. Felina knew this was the worst thing an instructor can do to put an inexperienced rider up on such a large, high spirited, 1,000 lb animal, but Felina did. Yes, she was jealous of Humberto and her sister's relationship, and yes, she had tried to hook up with him, before Humberto met Serena. But never did it occur to her what would happen that first day of December. She knew the chances of Humberto getting hurt were good, but Felina thought the likely hood of him actual dying were small. However, unsure of his mount with fear in his heart Humberto went into a panic, when the big grey horse took off at a very high rate of speed. Humberto cried out, mounted high atop the restless stallion, his fearful screams only served to anger the creature; which sensed the trepidation of his rider. Now the horse, as most horses will, tried to dismount his nervous rider by rushing under the low hanging, thick branches of an oak tree. Felina heard the impact of Humberto's head against the wood, the sound was unforgettable and horrific, as he was knocked from out of the saddle. When Felina rode upon the scene she found poor, sweet, Humberto lying under the tree, a large bloody gash on his forehead, exposing part of his brain, his neck broken, eyes closed, head flopped to the side. The young, exuberant man, with his whole life, and wedding just ahead of him, was now dead. Wiping this frightful memory from her mind Felina held her sister close, telling her how much she loved her. Serena smiled, truly glad to have her dear sister safe and alive after everything that had happened to her. So Serena put away any thoughts of ill will or malice, finding room in her heart for forgiveness for her sister, and she was now able to convince herself that, perhaps, Humberto's death was just an accident after all.
Michael watched this touching scene of reconciliation between the two sisters and then he realized Serena was just as beautiful, if not more, as her photographs, she was like a younger version of the lovely Felina, and Michael gave the raven haired, petite young woman a bright, radiant smile of delight when he was finally introduced to the the sexy Latina, Serena Maria de la Rosa Diaz.
Serena stared up at the handsome foreigner and she was immediately taken by his looks, and charm. Now, even though her heart had been utterly crushed by the sudden 'accidental' death of her beloved fiancee, Humberto, Serena did feel a spark of desire stirring in herself for this man she had never met and did not have the pleasure of knowing.
Hays, as well as Bengiman, watched with jealousy as they realized there was a sudden connection between the two of them, and Hays had been trying to win Serena's love and affection for seven long years. Even when Hays was with his wife, back in Texas, he often fantasized about the young, sweet, and lovely Serena. Troubled by the too long of an embrace, Hays interrupted saying "Hays, Jerome Hays." he said extending his hand out to Michael, who, for some reason, seemed a little shocked to meet him.
"Hello." Michael said as he reached out shaking his hand. Now Michael was shocked, for when he had heard the name Jerome, Michael just assumed Jerome Hays was a black man, though Michael said nothing of this to Mr.Hays as he did not want to appear to be a racist. "So nice to meet you, I am Michael" he added as he noticed how tall and thin, Hays was. He had large hands, broad shoulders and was just about an inch taller than Xation and Michael, but not taller than the Goliath of a man Mr.Pruce,
"Yes, my fellow American." Hays replied giving a pleasant smile, shaking Michael's hand staring at him with his bright amber eyes, he had chestnut colored, short, wavy hair, a clean, freshly shaved face with sharp, pointed features, a thin nose, prominent chin, a small mouth with full pink lips. Hays was attractive, but not better looking than Michael or Xation, and he appeared to be strong, athletic, healthy, full of a energy, as if he had just snorted a few lines of high quality cocaine; which he had. And when Hays spoke he used his hands frequently to express himself better.
Now as for the two sisters, they sat beside each other on one side of the table conversing rapidly in Spanish, with words of forgiveness and love. Michael and Bengiman sat beside each other on the opposite side of the table, with Xation and Hays sitting at the ends of the table. Hays mentioned how tan and relaxed Xation and Bengiman looked, asking about their brief visit to the Hawaiian islands. However Xation shied Hays away from this topic of discussion as he did not want to remind Felina of the vacation Bengiman and himself were missing out on. Neither would he allow Hays to make any mention of Felina's tragedy or Michael's involvement in the situation. So Hays changed the subject by pulling out his new cell phone, telling them about the latest technology. They all marveled at the new device, for it was smaller and lighter than the old flip phones they were accustomed to using, and there was no antenna attached. Hays told his fascinated friends about how this new phone was able to send and receive what Hays called, 'text messages'. Michael was amazed, along with everyone else at the table, when he explained how you could send a written message to anyone in the world without even speaking to them.
"Hays, how is this possible? Where is the antenna!" Xation asked bewildered.
"There are 2 antennas, Xation, and they are on a micro-processing chip inside the device." Hays replied with a clever smile. Then he went into a fascinating explanation telling them about fractal geometry, a decade old discovery from one of the geniuses, Dr. Mandelbrot, of M.I.T., Hays' Alma mater. He told the story of how a physics student at N.Y.U., who, as a hobby, had a ham radio. Now he could not get a good signal from his building in the city, and when he tried to install a larger antenna out of his window the tenants and landlord complained. Then using fractal geometry; which is the study of a set of infinitely recursive mathematical functions which seem to mirror natural phenomenon like leaf and cloud formations, the student pulled the circle of his coat hanger antenna into the shape of a cross, and, not only did the antenna work, but the newly shaped antenna was putting out a strong signal for thousands of miles. "So the student sold his idea to Motorola, and now we have this technology and society will soon be able to do many things with these micro-processors!" Hays said enthusiasticaly, as Michael realized just how intelligent Hays was as he went on talking with an unbridled energy that engulfed everyone, who hung on his every word "One day wireless phones will be able to take and send photographs to computers through the Internet and e-mail system." he said looking at his new phone "I will upgrade all your phones by the end of next week." he said eagerly, for Hays was always caught up in the new 'space age' technologies and computer programs coming out of Japan, Apple and M.I.T.. Michael, along with Bengiman, was absolutely clueless when it came to computers and new technology, so he thought it best to move the conversation in another direction.
"So, Hays, how is it you and Xation came to know one another?" Michael asked, as Hays looked over at Michael, you could see his thought process change as Hays explained how he had been working for I.B.M. developing and writing codes for a new computer program; which allowed stock brokers to make trades via computer from anywhere in the world. It was the Summer of 1983, he had been sent out to Manhattan to Stanley Morgan to oversee the installation of his soft ware into the hard drives. Xation was working for the brokerage firm, the two met up and hung out for a few days while Hays was in New York. They had stayed in touch and when Xation started his own brokerage house he hired Hays to design the computer programs for his financial transactions through the Internet banking systems.
"And he was so successful and intelligent, I hired him on as my Vice President." Xation said with a satisfied grin.
"Yes, and we have made millions ever since!" Hays replied with great cheer and satisfaction.
With that Xation felt elated and ecstatic to have his sisters together again as a peace settled over them. Xation could only hope and pray that nothing would ever come between them. Though he did not like the way Serena was looking at Michael, whom she chatted with, flirting with him all night long, dancing close to him, trying to teach him how to tango, touching his hands, kissng him on the cheek, whispering in Michael's ear. It was strange and annoying but Felina, whom was begining to develop strong feelings of love and affection for Michael, she pretended not to notice Serena and Michael's flirtations, as she did not wish to upset her sister by fighting over a man. This caused Xation to begin to worry about Michael and his relationship with his dear sisters. Xation knew very little about Michael, but all he really needed to know was that Michael was tall, handsome, charming, and extremely intelligent, just the type of man his sisters were attracted to. However, later that evening, during their wild night out on the town, drinking, dining, dancing, Xation pulled Hays to the side, handing over all of Michael's identification, instructing Hays to go to his office, first thing in the morning, and get on the Internet to find out everything he can about Dr. Michael Cullen.
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