By Susan J.

I have lived down the road from the Murrietas for over fifteen years. They have proved to be the best friends that my husband and I could have ever asked for. When My husband became ill it was Elena who helped me care for him, and Alejandro who helped with running our ranch. Unfortunately, my beloved husband didn’t survive his illness and passed away within one month. I was left with a ranch to run, and even though I have workers to help, I can’t help the feeling of being left alone. Elena would visit me every other day and I welcomed the visits, but more I welcomed her friendship.

A few months passed and I got so restless that I changed into a pair of my husband’s pants and shirt, I put on some boots and tied my hair back. I went out to the stables and walked over to one of the workers.

"Manuel," I said.

"Si Senora?" he answered.

"Saddle a horse for me. I want to go for a ride."

"Si Senora. Right away."

He saddled a horse and brought it me. I got up on top of the horse and started galloping down the road. I passed the area where my husband was buried and I felt something deep inside me snap. I kicked the horse’s sides hard and it started running at a fast pace. Tears were streaming down my face as I passed the Murrieta’s hacienda. I didn’t see Elena and the children in the yard. Elena knew something was wrong. She called for Alejandro.

"Alejandro! Come quick!" she said.

Alejandro came running towards her.

"What’s wrong?" he answered.

"I don’t know, but Lucinda just rode by here at full gallop and she looked like she was upset. Alejandro, go after her and see if she’s alright."

"Of course."

Alejandro took the first saddled horse and started after me. He found me running on foot in the open field, the horse was grazing near by. I was fighting with the tall grass and just hitting and hitting it. I didn’t see Alejandro and when I took a swipe at the grass I hit Alejandro instead. He doubled over.

"Alejandro! I’m sorry! I didn’t see you there!" I said.

He stood up.

"It’s all right. Are you all right Lucita?"

"I’m fine."

I turned away from him. He came over to me and turned me around to face him.

"You’re not all right. You’ve been crying. What’s wrong?"

"It’s nothing. I’ll be fine. You need not worry about me."

"Elena and I care about you and we will always worry about you. Tell me what’s wrong, maybe I can help."

"No one can help, but thank you anyway."

"You are in pain, my dear and I feel so helpless."

He took me in his arms and hugged me tightly and I started to cry. It was such a release to let out my emotions. As I cried he held me tighter and he kissed the top of my head. I slowly pulled away and I looked up and smiled at him.

"Thank you Alejandro for letting me cry on your shoulder. I feel a lot better."

"My shoulder is always there for you Lucita. Now will you tell me what’s wrong?"

"I guess all the emotions that I’d held in since Ramiro’s death finally got to me and I just had to get away from everything for awhile."

"Are you all right enough to head back?" he asked

"Yes. I have a ranch to run."

"Lucita you can call on me anytime for help in running the ranch. You know that."

"Thank you Alejandro. I think I will need your help in certain ranch matters. Come, let’s get back."

We got on the horses and rode back towards each others’ ranches. I stopped for a minute at the Murrieta’s. Elena came running towards me and hugged me.

"Lucita are you all right?" I was so worried about you," Elena said.

"I’m fine Elena. Thank you for caring."

"Please stay for awhile and we can talk."

"Maybe tomorrow, but for now I have to get back to the ranch."

"Lucita even though we’re not related by blood, I still feel like you and I are sisters."

"Oh Elena I feel the same way about you. You showed me friendship and kindness mixed with love from the very first day that Ramiro and I moved to the ranch ,and I thank you for that."

We hugged.

"I must be going. Alejandro will tell you everything."

I got back on the horse.

"Are those Ramiro’s clothes?’ Elena asked.

"Yes. Do they not look good on me?" I said.

"They look wonderful," she answered.

I posed for her and we laughed.

"I’ll talk to you tomorrow Elena."

"We’ll have lunch here tomorrow, all right?"

"I look forward to it. Oh Alejandro, thank you for the use of your shoulder."

Alejandro bowed to me.

"Anytime Lucita, anytime," he said.

I rode away.

During the next couple of months our friendship grew stronger and our ranches prospered. One day while Elena and I were in town shopping I noticed that she looked pale.

"Elena are you all right?" I asked.

"I’m fine," she said.

As we walked towards the carriage Elena stopped and her knees buckled. I grabbed her around the waist and sat her on a chair outside one of the shops.

"You’re not all right Elena. What’s wrong?"

She looked at me.

"I’m dying Lucita," she said.

"No! You can’t be," I said.

"But it’s true. I have cancer."

"What can be done to help you? What can I do for you? Tell me and I’ll do it."

She held my hand and smiled.

"There’s nothing that can be done."

"How is Alejandro taking it?"

"He doesn’t know."

"What? Elena you haven’t told him?"

"No."

"Why?"

"I don’t know how to tell him."

"He has to know. Would you like for me to be there when you tell him?"

"Yes."

Elena tried to stand up but she collapsed in my arms. I looked around.

"Someone get the doctor quick!" I yelled.

A few minutes later the doctor came running. He knelt down beside her.

"Elena! Can you hear me?" the doctor said.

She opened her eyes and looked at the doctor.

"We must get you to my office," he said.

"No, I want to go home," Elena said.

"Don’t be silly Elena," he said.

"Please, I want to die at home." she said.

Once again Elena passed out. We took her home and put her in her bed. Morning Dove put a cool towel on her head.

"Morning Dove, go and find Don Alejandro and bring him here quickly," I said.

"Si Senora." She left running.

"How is she, doctor?"

"Not too good. Her illness has progressed too much. I can’t help her anymore."

We looked at each other.

"Where’s Alejandro?" Elena asked.

"He’s on his way, Elena. He’ll be here soon," I said.

"I need to talk to you Lucita. Please, doctor, leave us alone for a minute," she asked.

"Only for a minute."

He left the room.

"Promise me that you’ll take care of my children and also Alejandro," Elena said.

"There’s no need for promises like that Elena. You’ll be up and around in a few days," I said.

"You and I both know the truth. I’m not meant to be in this world too much longer. Promise me that you will watch over them for me. Promise me, Lucita."

With all my strength I could not refuse the look in her eyes.

"I promise Elena, but it will be our secret. All right?"

"All right. Thank you," she said.

Alejandro came running into the room. He stopped to see his beautiful Elena lying pale on the bed. He went over to her.He sat on the edge of the bed and held her hand.

"Elena. Elena it’s Alejandro," he said.

Elena was very weak. She opened her eyes slowly and smiled at him.

"Hola mi amor," she whispered.

"This fool doctor told me that you are dying, but I say he’s wrong. You’re just tired," he said.

She smiled.

"I told her that she’ll be up and about in a few days," I said.

"Lucita’s right. You’ll be fine," Alejandro said.

Elena reached out and took my hand and she held it and Alejandro’s hand close to her chest.

"I couldn’t have asked for a better husband and a better sister and friend. I love you both very much," Elena said.

By now, both Alejandro and I had tears streaming down our faces.

"Alejandro please listen to me. I want you to be happy and to keep on living after I’m gone. Not only for the children, but for you. Promise me, Alejandro," Elena asked.

"I promise mi amor. I promise," Alejandro replied.

"If you find someone you can let into your heart, you have my blessing to marry her.”

"All right, Elena."

He kissed her hand. Elena took one deep breath and exhaled. We both looked at her as she passed into the next world.

Several years have passed since our spouses left us. I kept a close eye on Joaquin and Esperanza with the help of Morning Dove. I also kept a eye on Alejandro without him knowing it.

One day Morning Dove and I were watching the children playing in the yard. They were giggling and running. Alejandro came towards them and they jumped all over him. I decided it was time for me to leave. I stood up and looked at Morning Dove.

"Send for me anytime if you need anything," I said.

"I will Senora. Gracias."

Morning Dove walked over to the children.

"Joaquin, Esperanza say good bye to your Tia Lucita," she said.

They came running towards me almost knocking me down.

"By Tia. Come back soon," said Joaquin.

"Bye bye Tia," said Esperanza.

I hugged them both.

"I’ll try and come by tomorrow to see you. Now go inside."

They went inside leaving me and Alejandro outside alone. He came over to me.

"So how have you’ve been Lucita?" he asked.

"Fine, and you Alejandro?"

"I’m doing better. It’s hard to accept the fact that she’s gone."

"I know exactly what you’re going through. I’d better go."

"No wait. Would you like to have dinner with me tonight?"

"That would be nice, but why don’t we dine at my hacienda?"

"All right. Shall we say around seven o’clock?" he said.

"That’s fine. I’ll see you then."

He kissed my hand and I left. Later that evening a knock came at my door. My housekeeper Rosa answered.

"Buenas noches Don Murrieta," Rosa said.

"Buenas noches Rosa. How are you this evening?" he asked.

"Muy buien. Y usted?"

"Buien gracias. Is the Senora at home?"

"Si. Pase pase. Let me take you hat and coat. I’ll let the Senora know that you’re here."

"Gracias."

She took his hat and coat and left. I came into the living room a few minutes later.

"Good evening Don Murrieta," I said

"Good evening Dona Aguilar."

He took my hand and kissed it as I curtsied.

"Come in and make yourself comfortable. Agui es su casa."

"Gracias."

We sat down.

"Would you like something to drink before dinner?" I asked.

"Yes, thank you."

"Rosa."

Rosa came into the room.

"Si Senora?" she said.

"Please bring two glasses of wine."

"Si Senora right away."

She left.

"Am I the only one who’s a little nervous?" I asked.

"No, I’m a bit nervous too. We shouldn’t be, I mean we’ve been friends for over twenty years." he said.

"You’re right, however there were always four persons who were visiting, not two."

We smiled. Rosa returned and she offered me a glass, and then Alejandro.

"I’ll check on dinner." Rosa said.

"Thank you." I said.

Rosa left. We held up our glasses.

"To you Dona Aguilar."

"To you Don Murrieta."

We drank and talked for awhile and then Rosa came back.

"Dinner is ready Senora," she said

"Shall we?" I said.

"We shall." said Alejandro.

We walked into the dining room and sat down. We were served and we ate. When we were done, we went back into the living room. Alejandro walked over to the fireplace and I sat on the couch. Rosa came into the room carrying a tray with wine and two glasses. She set it down on the table.

"Thank you Rosa," I said.

"If there is nothing else Senora I will clean up and then retire for the evening," she said.

"That’s fine. Oh, Rosa."

"Si Senora?"

The dinner was delicious. Thank you"

"Thank you. Good night Senora."

"Good night Rosa," I said.

"Buenas Noches Don Murrieta."

"Buenas Noches Rosa," he said.

She left.

"Would you like some more wine Alejandro?"

"Yes please."

I started to get up from the couch.

"No please, I’ll get it. Would you like some?" he asked.

"No thank you, but please, you go right ahead," I said.

"Thank You."

He poured himself another glass and started walking towards me.As he got closer to the couch, his foot hit the coffee table and he tripped and at the same time he spilt the wine on me. I jumped up.

"Oh I’m sorry Lucita," he said.

"Don’t worry, it’s all right."

Alejandro took a linen napkin from the table and without thinking he started to dab at my dress. He suddenly realized what he was doing and stopped.

"I’m sorry Lucita. I didn’t mean to take such liberty…" he stuttered.

"It’s alright Alejandro. Don’t think twice about it."

He handed me the napkin and I started laughing.

"What’s so funny?" he asked.

"I was remembering what happened one night with Ramiro."

"What?"

"We were sitting on the balcony one evening and he had a little bit too much to drink. He started saying how much he loved me and well he was sitting on the railing and when he stretched out his arms he fell backwards and landed in the fish pond below. I ran to see if he was all right and he was swimming in the pond. It’s a sight I’ll never forget."

We started laughing. I looked down as dabbed at my dress. All of a sudden Alejandro lifted my head and moved closer to me.

"Please forgive me for what I am about to do," he said.

He slowly moved even closer and then he gently kissed me.

"Oh Alejandro," I said.

"I’m sorry, I didn’t mean…"

"No, no don’t apologize. It was very nice."

"May I kiss you again?" he asked.

"I would be disappointed if you didn’t."

He pulled me towards him and kissed me passionately. I felt a tingling throughout my body. As he held me tightly I could feel that he was aroused, but I knew to take this situation to that level would be wrong. We pulled away from each other.

"It’s getting late and I must leave," Alejandro said.

"Thank you for coming and for the company," I said.

"The pleasure was all mine."

We walked arm in arm towards the front door, his coat and hat were waiting for him. He turned to me once again and took my hand in his.

"May I call on you again Lucita?" he asked.

"I would like that very much, Alejandro."

He kissed my hand tenderly.

"Buenas Noches, Dona Aguilar."

"Buenas Noches, Don Murrieta."

I watched him as he left. I closed the door and went to bed.

During the next few months Alejandro and I became much closer than friends. We had dinner at each others’ houses, went on picnics, long walks and carriage rides.

On this day we were on one of our many picnics. We sat on a blanket surrounded by grass so tall that no one knew we were there.

"I have to thank you Lucita," he said.

"For what?"

"For the happiness that you have brought to my life these past few months."

"I should say the same thing to you. I never thought that I could possibly enjoy another man’s company again after my husband."

"We’ve been through hell and back."

"Yes we have. There is only one thing that I regret."

"What?"

"That I didn’t have any children with my husband."

"Excuse me for asking, but why didn’t you have and Ramiro have any children?"

"He wasn’t able to. He said that it didn’t matter and that it was better that way because he could have me all to himself."

We smiled. Alejandro reached over and moved a strand of hair from my forehead. He moved closer to me and gently laid me down on the blanket. We looked into each others eyes.

"You have beautiful eyes Lucita."

"So do you Alejandro."

He gently kissed me. The kiss became more and more passionate. His hand slowly pulled down my dress from my right shoulder. His hand gently touching my skin. He kissed my neck and shoulder as I ran my fingers through his hair. I felt his passion not only in his kisses but on my leg as well. He stopped and looked at me.

"I’ll stop if you want me to," he said.

"I want it as much as you do."

He looked at me with those eyes.

"I want you just as much Lucita."

The sun started to set and before we knew it our clothes were off and he was kissing me all over. It felt so wonderful to be touched and caressed again. Alejandro positioned himself on top of me and then he was totally inside me. His hardness felt so delicious. He thrusted in and out and with each thrust I could feel his hardness getting stronger and stronger.

We started moaning with every movement. We rolled over and now I was on top. As he was on his back his hands were on my hips and I started grinding my hips down on him and keeping his hardness inside of me as long as I could. As I ground my hips, he started moaning louder with pleasure. He sat up and I wrapped my legs around his waist. He started licking my breasts and making circles around my nipples with his tongue. I tossed my head back making them more available to him. We both felt like we were about to explode. He laid me down on my back again and with the last bit of his strength his thrusts became harder and faster. In a few seconds we climaxed together. We lay in each others arms exhausted but totally fulfilled. We looked at each other and started laughing. I brushed the hair from his eyes.

"Are you alright Alejandro?" I asked.

He smiled.

"I fell like a million dollars. And you? Are you all right?" he asked.

"Mmmmm. I feel wonderful."

We kissed.

It has now been over a year since our first union of our bodies and spirits, and we continue to this day to visit our special place in the field. During the day, I think of the all the wonderful times that Alejandro and I have had together.

Alejandro came into the room and he walked towards me.

"What are you doing mi amor?" he asked.

"Just thinking of you and I," I said.

"Come, we have guests to attend to."

He took my hand in his and we walked out of the room.The leader of the musicians announced.

"Senoras y Senores. May I introduce to you Don Alejando Murietta and Senora Lucienda Aguilar de Murietta."

To hear our names which are now joined as one is the sweetest sound I could ever want to hear.

Photo courtesy of the Antonio Banderas Web Mall

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