COMPLICITY

One day when I knew Alegria and Pedro had left home until late in the evening, I invited Feliz to the family home to show her around the property. Sitting on the balcony, we stayed for a long time sipping a cold drink, laughing before going for a tour of the field. I took her by the hand, which she had gladly started letting me take lately. I led her towards the garden and the horses. Just like me, the first day I arrived at Alegria's, she immediately marvelled at the sight of Pura Sangre which was staring at the landscape, sweeping the flies around its tail. At its side, Destello seemed to be looking around for a distraction. 

I turned my back to Feliz for a few seconds to grab two saddles hanging on the fence. Then, I turned back to her asking:

"Do you know how to ride a horse?"

"Yes, I do. Do you?" She replied perched on Pura Sangre's back, holding the reins in her hands. She was looking at me with a mischievous smile. Before I even tried to answer, she was already galloping off.

I dropped one of the two saddles at my feet then rushed towards Destello. I swung the saddle onto its back in a hurry and mounted it to chase after Feliz. Her figure above Pura Sangre, her unruly hair was running behind her. At the same moment, she turned around and saw me coming after her; she speeded up, giving strong kicks. 

Alegria was right. Feliz nurtured a long-extinguished fire within me. As the flames rekindled, she also consumed my dream of finally finding a side; the side that would reconcile me with my father. However, at that specific moment, intoxicated by the exhilaration of our run in the open air, I wanted only one thing: to be completely consumed by the heat of Feliz.

***

When Alegria and Pedro arrived at the foot of the balcony at nightfall, which was still early Caribbean time, they found us sitting at the table.

"Good evening, Mrs. Perez!" Feliz exclaimed immediately, turning to greet my grandmother.

"Good evening, Feliz," Alegria replied pleasantly surprised to see her in my presence. "I didn't know you and Borys were hanging out," she said calmly while she went slowly up the stairs.

"Say hi to your mum for me, will you?" Alegria added simply as she entered the house followed by Pedro who greeted Feliz as he walked by.