Secrets Upon Secrets

Chapter 4

"Matias! We need help to light a fire."

"Coming!" A young man hollered. He had an average build of a teen boy, but an admirable height. He was wearing a sharp dark aquamarine vest over his rolled up long white sleeves. His wavy caramel hair had a mind of its own. Girls would be drawn in by his gentle and kind personality, paired with a shining smile and sparkling nut brown eyes. The tie on his chest was quite loose from all the work he had to do.

A group of women stood near a pile of wood, carrying pots of food for tonight's gift ceremony. He went to the pile of wood and rubbed his hands. A blazing flame appeared on each of his hands. Putting it near the wooden pile, he gave a soft exhale. The fire crackled with delight.

"Gracias, Señor Matias," one of the older women said.

"No worries about it, Señora," Matias said with a smile. "Just call me if you need help." The women gushed and started whispering as Matias walked to Castillo.

"What a polite boy!"

"No wonder my daughter likes him."

"Princesa Mirabel is lucky to be betrothed to him."

Matias blushed at the thought of Mirabel. Although the villagers knew she was giftless, he believed it didn't make her less loved than her other relatives. Her laughter and positivity was contagious. Kids would often be drawn to her. She always had a compliment even to the most villainous of people. People agreed that Matias and Mirabel were a good match because their personalities fit each other. And they liked each other too.

"Matias!" Mirabel said, calling out to him. "Welcome!" She noticed his disheveled tie.

"Hold up!" she said. "Let me fix this."

Matias sighed. Mirabel was incredibly observant and thoughtful. Two traits he loved about her. As Mirabel fixed his tie, Matias took this moment to admire Mirabel's look. She was wearing a simple dark aquamarine gown with matching gloves. Her emerald glasses magnified her wonderful brown eyes. Curly locks framed her round face and emphasized her smile. She still wore the baby blue scarf Matias gave her, which she embellished with her own embroideries. When Mirabel fixed his tie, she fetched something from her brown mochila bag. It was a beautiful rose pin, wonderfully made.

"I tried doing something," Mirabel said. "Of course I needed help from the artisans from the village, but I hope you like this." She pinned the rose on Matias' vest.

"Of course I do, mi amor," Matias said, brushing a stray strand off Mirabel's face. Mirabel giggled.

Those who passed by grinned at the lovely couple. Everyone was happy for them. But there was one who desperately wished to have what they had.

P.S. I apologize for the hiatus! I'm back!!