Cambiar Las Mareas: The Beginning

CHAPTER EIGHT

CHAPTER EIGHT:

June 6, 1874: Second Operation – Change of friends

Jimena would be lying if she's going to say that she did not hold Maria closer after that. Being an independent young woman, she usually frolics alone, but after that night, Maria can be seen with her almost everywhere.

Others did not raise their eyebrows at the behavior. After all, it was customary for a handmaiden to trail after her lady wherever necessary. Leonardo on the other hand, couldn't help but shoot nervous glances whenever they were in his periphery. Clearly, Jimena's assumption was not unfounded.

Truthfully though, she tried not to think about it too much. After all, what she's currently doing was for his well-being and it wouldn't be sound if she would feel guilty every time.

On the particular sunny day of June 6, 1874 however, her guilt was rather strong. For when she announced at breakfast that she was going to frolic outside with Maria, Leonardo sent his usual set of nervous looks once more.

"This is a rather pretty vase Señorita." Maria then suddenly said, pushing Jimena out of her reverie. They were currently at a store in front of their house which was selling beautiful wares and Jimena was holding a vase that was painted with beautiful blue lilies.

"It is, isn't it?" Jimena replied distractedly. She then placed the vase back in the cabinet slowly. It was rather expensive and she didn't want to spend her pin money on an accident. "Say, Maria, would you mind if we're going to go back to the bookstore? I just felt the need to buy more parchment."

Jimena could see Maria squirm slightly because of the statement. 'She might be remembering the huge stack that I bought last week,' Jimena thought. 'But to be fair, my pin money is generous, so I can't help myself to indulge myself.'

"I don't mind señorita," Maria replied.

With a smile, Jimena then looped her arms against Maria as they walked down the busy street of Escolta. Since it was Saturday, the street was bursting with activity and color. A couple of kalesas can be seen being loaded with boxes of boxes of goods, customers can be seen milling about from store to store, and vendors can be heard talking loudly to sell their wares.

Jimena could also see some students from La Concordia walking with some of their family members.

"Maria, can I ask you a question?" Jimena then started tentatively as they entered the bookstore and huddled in a corner. The bookstore was also filled just like the streets so they were left alone.

Maria nodded.

"Yes, you may Señorita."

Jimena stopped for a while, before continuing.

"Do you fancy someone? You are on the right to do so and I couldn't help but wonder." She said softly, "My mother has been talking about arranged marriages recently making me more contemplative on such matters.:

Maria blushed prettily.

"Well, I think fancy is such a huge term Señorita. For fancying someone means that you wanted to have a relationship with that person." She started carefully. "However, if your definition of fancy means finding a man attractive, then yes. I think I fancy someone."

"So, attractiveness can be the basis of fancy?" Jimena asked dubiously.

"Not necessarily no," Maria replied honestly. "But it is indeed a huge factor, Señorita. After all, attractiveness is not only about the physical appearance of a person. It also includes their personality, their capability to feel empathy, their..." Maria then paused as her eyes drifted towards the currently opening door of the bookstore. Jimena followed her vision and much to her surprise, she saw Leonardo entering the store.