Las Dos Marias

Chapter 21: The Condition

"Dios mio! What did they do to you?" Trinidad cried, holding Isabela's face. She reached out through the bars that separated them, gently touching Isabela's wounded face. Her eyes stung with tears as she gazed at her.

"Don't worry about it," Isabela replied, lightly resting her hand on the back of Trinidad's. "Why did you come here?" she asked, her voice trembling with worry for the noble girl. "You shouldn't have come... i-it's a dangerous place for you."

"It's dangerous for you too. I was so worried, Isabela. The cuartel isn't where you belong—you're not a criminal!" Trinidad's voice wavered with emotion. "I convinced my Papa to talk to the Teniente Mayor. I'm sure they'll come to an agreement. They've been friends for years."

"The Teniente dislikes me, Trinidad, as much as he disliked my parents!" Isabela snapped, her brows furrowing as she looked at her. "Why would you do that? Why risk yourself for me?"

Trinidad's gaze softened, her words barely a whisper as she moved closer to the cold bars. "I care about you, Isabela Ramos. Can't you see that?"

"You shouldn't worry about me, Trinidad. Haven't you heard what they say about me? They accuse my mother and me of being witches, and now they're calling me a rebel because of my father." She paused. "A-aren't you scared of me?"

Trinidad shook her head, her grip tightening on Isabela's icy hands. "I don't care what they say. I just want you out of here as soon as possible... and maybe, we can talk more about who we are and what we want in life when you're out of here... I just—I can't stand thinking of you locked up because of some baseless accusations." She looked at her, melting away Isabela's doubts with her gaze. "I am not afraid of you. I never was... and never will be."

Just then, the sound of boots echoed down the corridor. When they turned, they saw the Teniente Mayor, followed by Trinidad's father, Don Arnulfo.

"Well, Ramos," the Teniente's mocking voice rang out. "Looks like you've found yourself some powerful friends. You're free to go," he declared. "For now, at least," he added with a smirk, his gaze lingering on Isabela. "Just make sure you don't make any mistakes, Isabela. My dear friend here"—he gestured toward Don Arnulfo—"will be keeping a close eye on you as we continue our hunt for those who dare rebel against the Crown."

Trinidad glanced at her father, his expression unreadable, then at Isabela, whose eyes flickered with boldness. For now, Trinidad felt relieved by the decision.

Later, the three of them were seated in the calesa. Isabela settled beside Trinidad, while Don Arnulfo occupied the seat across from them. No one spoke as they made their way back to the Buenavista residence. By this time, San Felipe was enveloped in darkness; it was already evening when they'd left the cuartel.

Don Arnulfo was the first to break the silence.

"You heard what the Teniente declared. I'll be keeping a close eye on you. For the time being, you'll be staying with us."

Trinidad was taken aback, her heart racing at her father's words.

"Should I be concerned, Don Arnulfo? The cuartel seems better than becoming someone's slave." Isabela's tone was sharp, distrust cutting through the evening air.

"No, no," Don Arnulfo replied with a chuckle. "You'll be treated like a guest, of course. None of that slavery business will happen under my supervision. And you know our family—we don't treat people as less than they should be. Slavery is a thing in the past."

"You know that's not true, Don Arnulfo—"

Trinidad held Isabela's hand, signaling her to stop. She feared Isabela might provoke her father and she wouldn't be able to appease him anymore.

Isabela looked at her, a flicker of understanding was seen in her eyes.

"I-I'm more worried about Doña Esperanza's reaction," Isabela said, thankfully steering the conversation in a different direction. "She's made it clear my presence irritates her... and what she saw at the picnic will only enrage her more."

"Don't worry about my mother, Isabela. She'll eventually understand."

"Why are you doing this?" Isabela asked, suspicion once again surfacing in her low, raspy voice.

"You have my daughter to thank," Don Arnulfo replied with a sigh. "Her insistence is what kept you out of the cuartel."

Somehow, despite the tension, Trinidad felt a quiet joy at the thought of Isabela staying with them. If guilt crept in her heart, she quickly pushed it aside. She wanted to see more of Isabela, to be closer to her—and she hadn't expected things to work out in her favor like this.

"I need to see my mother first," Isabela spoke cautiously. "Is that possible, Don Arnulfo?"

Don Arnulfo cleared his throat, taking a long drag from his freshly lit tobacco. "You can visit your mother tomorrow," he said as smoke curled in front of his face. "But you'll be accompanied by two of my house helpers to ensure you return to my residence. I'll have to document the trip on paper, and you'll have to sign it. If you don't follow through, I won't help you again, no matter how much my daughter pleads me to do so. Do you understand?"

"Yes... Gracias, Don Arnulfo."

"Hmm..." her father replied, signaling that their conversation was over.

Trinidad smiled inwardly, pleased by the control she held over the situation. Now, she only needed to convince her father of one more favor...