forever yours - a carteo story

~Chapter Seven~

At Carla and Aashna's cottage, Aashna sat on her bed, clearly upset about what she said to Esteban.  She didn't mean any of it, but she didn't really want to marry a man who upset her daughter.  She wouldn't make the same mistake twice.  That was for sure.  Aashna decided the best thing to do would be to find another man.  Who, though?  She sighed and ran her fingers through her brown hair.   She finally got up and figured she'd better start making something to eat since she hadn't eaten for a long time.  

~~~

Mateo had finally finished getting ready for the engagement ball.  He mainly sprayed on some cologne and fixed his hair.  He wasn't a fan of wearing suits.  He ran downstairs to find Carla sitting at the kitchen table.  She had her hair down which was unusual for Mateo.  He was always used to her lovely braid but nonetheless he thought she was gorgeous.  Carla straightened out her light purple dress for the ball.  It was simple, yet fancy at the same time.  She even changed her jewelry.  Her usual gold jewelry was replaced with silver instead.  

"Wow you look beautiful!" Mateo commented as he sat down next to her.  Carla smiled.  "Thanks, you look really cute in that outfit." she blushed.

Mateo's face flushed a deep pink as he tried to figure out what to say.  "Wait, you think I'm cute?"

Carla smirked as she crossed her arms and held his hands.  She brought them up to her chest and kissed him on the cheek.  "Of course, what kind of question is that?"

Mateo smiled and then walked outside without any words.  Carla thought something was wrong, but she could have been wrong.  She shrugged her shoulders and walked back upstairs to the guest room to finish her makeup.  She sat in a chair in front of the white vanity that had been set up a few years prior.  It used to be Rafa's, but she thought too much glitz and glamour was too much for herself so she set it up in the guest bedroom.  Carla dusted her cheeks with some light pink blush and added finishing touches to her eyeliner.  She heard some noises outside of the window and she peeked out to find Mateo and a small girl who couldn't have been older than ten talking to each other.

What is that all about? Carla thought as she peered outside the window.  Mateo was helping the small girl with what appeared to be her tamborita.  Olivia, that's who it is!  Carla sighed in relief.  Mateo had only mentioned his apprentice once or twice and he hadn't given her a description of her so she had probably seen her around the Via Mercado at times.  Mateo waved goodbye to Olivia and went back inside.  Carla placed her makeup on the vanity and stood up.  She looked at herself in the mirror and frowned.

Was it too much?  Probably not.  She had hardly even tried.  It was an engagement ball for goodness sake.  She crossed her arms so she could hide her dress, she had no idea why she did it when she could just change but that's what she did.   She walked downstairs to find Rafa giving Mateo the once over.  Carla forced a smile and tried to forget how she looked.  Rafa turned away and noticed Carla standing in the kitchen doorway looking lost.  Rafa clapped her hands.  

"You both look perfect!  You are going to be the second best dressed at the ball." she remarked.  Mateo cocked his head.

"Who's the best dressed then?" he asked, confused.  Rafa smiled.  "Elena and Gabe, of course!"  Carla laughed a bit and Mateo smiled.  "Stand next to each other.  I want to remember this for your wedding." Rafa ordered cheerfully

Mateo sighed.  "Mom.."

Carla giggled.  "Ha!  I doubt it, right now.  But good idea!" she hooked her arm with Mateo's.  Rafa wiped a tear off her face.

"What's wrong, Rafa?" Carla asked walking over to her.  "I-I'ts just amazing that mi baby Mateo is finally happy with someone!" she sniffed.  Mateo made a funny noise while Carla put her arm around his mother.

"It's okay, Rafa.  I won't leave him, I promise."  

Rafa smiled and gave Carla a hug.  "I know you won't."  Mateo grabbed Carla's hand and they walked out the door.  

"Bye, you two!" Rafa called, waving.