The Refuge

Chapter 35

For good ideas and true innovation, you need human interaction, conflict, argument, debate. — Margaret Heffernan

 The atmosphere in the room was tense as everyone digested Iris's words. 

"Well…that's quite a brilliant idea, Iris dear!" Lolita remarked with a smile. 

"I agree!" Timothy chimed in. "But there's a slight problem?" 

"What is that, Papà?" 

"How are we going to convince Mr. Ortega to partner with us?" 

"Hmmm, that's true," Paloma muttered and her brows wrinkled. 

"I am sure we can think of something," Elena encouraged. 

A hush fell over the table as everyone juggled their minds for a solution.  

"I got it!" Paloma exclaimed and leaned forward. 

"Great! Let's hear it!" Gael beamed. 

"Well…Ramona can do some talking to—" 

"No!" Gael cut her off with a loud voice. 

Paloma jerked and swung to face him with wide eyes. 

A sheepish look flashed in his eyes. "My apologies! But I would like for Ramona to stay away from him as much as possible." 

"Yes, I agree as well," Lolita said with scrunched brows. "That man can't be trusted; I don't want Ramona to fall into harm's way again."

Paloma sent the mother and son a compassionate smile. "I understand where you are coming from but that's the only solution we have."

Gael shook his head "We will think of something else." 

Paloma opened her mouth to speak but no words came out. Her eyes raced to her father for help but he shook his head and sent her a sympathetic smile. 

He cleared his throat and said to everyone, "Let's focus on our meal for now and deliberate afterward." 

Everyone complied and silence reigned for minutes while the families silently ate. The clanking of cutleries against plates occasionally broke the silence.  

Several minutes later, all the plates were cleared from the table and the two families relocated to the living room. The two couches and two armchairs couldn't contain everyone so Paloma and Alexa had to drag in two dining chairs for themselves.  

"So…I suppose we should get the ball rolling?" Timothy broke the awkward silence after everyone had settled down. "Has anyone thought of another solution?" His eyes darted around.  

Everyone uttered a 'no' and shook their heads. 

Timothy heaved a sigh. "I guess we need to unstuck ourselves again."

Iris released a groan. "I believe we should just go with Paloma's idea. It's most likely to work." 

Happiness swelled within Paloma but the frown on Gael's face stopped her from showing her gladness. 

"I still disagree." Gael shook his head. "The possibility of it backfiring is still there." 

"But it is worth a try," Iris replied with an undertone of frustration. 

"I don't want to take chances." 

Iris huffed. "You are just being a typical overprotective brother." 

"I agree.  And I am sure your brother is the same thing. Right, Juan?" Gael's eyes shifted to the person next to Iris. 

"You got that right. I wouldn't like any of my sisters to be endangered in any way. So I feel you."