The Words

Chapter Ten

CHAPTER TEN

More Surprises

 

April 18, 2011. Monday. Margarita visited an orphanage that her mother had set up in Ponlo, a far south town of Quisia. Carlos left early for Vienburg to attend a business conference as a member of Vienburg Business Club.

He had business endeavors in Vienburg other that his shares in numerous corporations based in Vienburg as well as in the entire Missi. He owned a manufacturing firm specializing on production of devices and equipment involving solar energy, solar power and solar electricity. He had a group of engineers supervising it. They were the group he met when he took crash courses in solar energy engineering. They dreamed of spreading solar electricity consumption in the world. He financed their cause and it was already a huge money-making business.

He knew beforehand that he had to attend to a business conference on Margarita’s twenty-ninth birthday, but it didn’t stop him to plan on surprises for her.

He already greeted her in the morning and promised to see her in the evening.

On her visit to the orphanage, all the children presented her with a stem of white roses. She didn’t expect it. But she was informed by the director of the orphanage when her visit ended in the afternoon that the white roses were Carlos’ idea.

When she reached Gonzalo Mansion, a tea party with all the members of HARMONY awaited her.

Each of her six friends gave her an unusual gift. From Hazel, it was a custom-made miniature piano with a number of big keys. From Angeline, it was a custom-made lady doctor doll looking exactly like her. From Rhena, it was painting of her photo as a child. From Olivia, it was a male British-type Golden Retriever puppy like the puppy she lost when she was still a child.  From Nina, it was a DVD Collection of Julia Roberts Movies. From Yvette, it was a female white Persian Longhair kitten with blue eyes.

Aside from those gifts, they had another much simpler gift

She asked them, “Why two gifts?”

Yvette blurted it out, “The more expensive ones are from Carlos.”

She shouted, “What?!”

Angeline noted, “He really seems to know what your favorites are.”

Hazel added, “I have the cutest custom-made mini piano with your name on it.

Olivia said, “I was in-charge of giving you the puppy.”

Rhena summarized it, “In short, your fiancé asked us to give you his gifts because he wouldn’t be able to meet you until this evening.”

“I specifically told him, no more surprises and expensive presents,” she said as she tried to call him. But he wasn’t answering.

Yvette said, “We didn’t know you had a dog and a cat before.”

Nina put in, “All the DVDs have Julia Roberts’ authentic signature with a personalized note.”

Everyone shouted, “What?”

“Of course it wasn’t just the usual DVD collection,” Nina declared.

When Carlos arrived past nine o’ clock in the evening at Gonzalo Mansion, he didn’t bring anything.

Margarita hugged him with teary eyes. “I said no surprises and expensive gifts.”

“I never agreed, sweetheart,” he looked into her eyes, wiped her tears and kissed her lips lightly “Have you already thought of names for your puppy and kitten? They already have their houses in Quinta La Amparo.”