Las Dos Marias

Chapter 22: Trouble on the Road

Doña Esperanza didn't come down for breakfast or say goodbye to her daughter before the trip. She claimed to feel unwell, but Isabela knew better—Trinidad's mother was still furious over recent events.

As for Isabela's commissioned work for Doña Ynez, she'd been paid without a word about the incident at the picnic. Doña Ynez acted as if Isabela's time in the cuartel hadn't happened, though her trembling hands betrayed her disapproval. Still, she paid Isabela generously and returned Juan Kabayo to her.

Despite everything, Trinidad's confession lingered in Isabela's mind, bringing a smile to her face. Today, traveling together made her heart flutter, especially since Trinidad insisted they ride astride Juan Kabayo.

"You know this is going to cause a scandal," Isabela teased, grinning.

"I don't really care about that," Trinidad giggled, her fingers grazing the back of Isabela's hand. Even that brief touch sent a thrill through Isabela.

Mang Carlito and Manang Celis loaded Trinidad's luggage into the calesa, but the two women were already settled on Juan Kabayo. Don Arnulfo watched with a disapproving frown but didn't interfere.

As they rode through the town square, Isabela felt the weight of the townsfolk's stares. She nudged Trinidad. "Here come the whispers, Señorita."

"Oh no," Trinidad replied with mock horror, pretending to faint. "What will I do? Maybe I'll just blame it on you."

"You might as well," Isabela chuckled. "They already think I'm the one corrupting you."

They laughed, their joy ringing in the square and drawing even more attention. Mothers shook their heads disapprovingly, and men stared like scandalous characters from a forbidden book!

"By sundown, the whole town will have a story to tell," Isabela said lightly.

Trinidad leaned close to her ear. "Good—I like being the subject of scandal, as long as it's with you."

Isabela's heart raced, and she urged Juan Kabayo forward, making them bounce in the saddle and sending them into another laughing fit. Once they reached a quieter stretch of road, Isabela finally felt the tension leave her shoulders. She savored the warmth of Trinidad's presence behind her, the way her arms wrapped around her waist. She'd tried to bury this desire, but Trinidad's arrival had changed everything.

Isabela slowed the horse, her heart pounding. Trinidad turned slightly, catching her gaze. "What's wrong? Why did we stop?"

"You don't know how long I've wanted to do this," Isabela whispered. Before Trinidad could respond, Isabela cupped her face and leaned in, pressing her lips to Trinidad's in a soft, lingering kiss.

They kissed under the dappled light filtering through the trees, their closeness dissolving any remaining doubts. Trinidad's hand settled on Isabela's back, pulling her closer, and Isabela's desire surged. When they finally pulled apart, both were breathless and flushed.

"It's already a waterfall down there," Trinidad whispered with a mischievous smile, making Isabela blush.

"You're such a tease," Isabela replied, rolling her eyes. Just then, the faint creak of the calesa wheels reached them. "Perfect timing," she groaned.

"Mang Carlito and Manang Celis are catching up," Trinidad giggled.

"Of course... just when I was starting to enjoy myself." Isabela leaned in and whispered, "Think we can hide?"

"Hide?" Trinidad laughed. "On a horse? And where would we go?"

Isabela grinned. "Up a tree, maybe. Juan Kabayo could manage it."

Trinidad laughed harder, shaking her head. "You're really something else, Isabela."

When the calesa arrived, Mang Carlito tipped his hat, giving them a curious look but saying nothing. He simply nodded and signaled for them to continue.

"We'll finish what we started later," Isabela whispered.

Trinidad smiled. "You better keep that promise."

They were falling back into a comfortable banter when suddenly, a figure stumbled out from the bushes and collapsed onto the road. Juan Kabayo halted abruptly, startling them both.

"Dios mío," Trinidad gasped. "Someone's in the road!"

Isabela quickly dismounted, helping Trinidad down, and they rushed over to the young man lying there. His clothes were torn, and his face was bruised and bloodied. Isabela recognized him instantly.

"Heavens," she whispered, her hand flying to her mouth. "It's the sacristan!"

Trinidad turned to her. "The sacristan? From San Felipe?"

"Yes. He was at the picnic that afternoon—I even showed him my painting."

Before they could process this, the calesa rolled up beside them. Mang Carlito climbed down. "Señorita, what happened?"

"He's hurt badly," Trinidad said, her voice steady but urgent. "We need to get him into the calesa."

With Mang Carlito and Manang Celis's help, they lifted the boy into the carriage, clearing space among the bags. As they settled him, he stirred slightly, his voice a faint whisper. "Padre... Padre En—" he gasped before passing out again.

Isabela and Trinidad exchanged a look of alarm. "Did Padre Enrique do this?" Trinidad asked.

"Let's just get him to my mother first," Isabela said, murmuring a quick prayer over him. "She'll exactly know what to do."

Mang Carlito climbed back into his seat, and they set off for the hills, racing against time to get the young man the help he needed.