Cindirillo smirked to his reflection on the mirror. Fitting the light champagne color bow on his neck, he proudly straightened up, squaring his broad shoulders, broader than others due to years of hard work in the sea. His latte coffee skin, darkened by the tropical sun contrasted perfectly with the black tuxedo and white shirt. With joy, a pair of jade green eyes glistened to realize how handsome he was. It was the first time José wore a tailor suit and it felt so good. The young man even playfully turned around, lifting the back of his jacket finding how well the pants fitted to his firm and round butt. The way Don Armando guessed his size so accurately amazed him. From head to toes everything was perfect, even the lustrous black leather shoes.
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He hesitated for a moment to go on with what seemed was a prank played by fate... "If this is a dream, I don't want to wake up. I'll keep with this until the sun wakes me up then", the teenager thought aloud. "I also deserve to be happy, even if it's only for one night." Five minutes to 8:00 pm he grabbed the keys of his house, a shabby brown wallet and after turning the lights off in his room, Cindirillo climbed down the stairs to wait for the taxi that was about to pick up him soon to take him to the ball.
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A turquoise carpet welcomed the guests to the inaugural feast at Villa del Mar. Like a palace, the magnificent structure stood with luxurious architecture and decor by the sea shore. Amazed by everything around him: the wealthiest people in town so elegantly dressed and even he recognized a few artists from the television parading through the sea colored rug that lead into the main lobby.
"Invitation please," asked a man standing at the entrance. The gilded tag on the flap read ' Vice Manager, Villa del Mar Hotel'. Cindirillo handed the card to the gentleman, who after revising it, spoke politely to the boy, "Good evening Mr. Cindirillo. Don Armando is waiting for you in the VIP section. Follow me please."
Amongst the festive crowd, the champagne glass clicking and curious stares, the humble fisherman was guided straight to where the hotel's owner was, talking with a group of ladies in the most amusing fashion. As he neared he saw who the women were. Doña Carmiña and his two hideous stepsisters bugged the man with hypocrite praises and brown nosing.
"Mr. Cindirillo!" Don Armando greeted José effusively. Doña Carmiña, Ana Clementina and María Lourdes almost fell to their butts to see Cindirillo at the ball, so elegantly attired and being fatherly welcomed by the wealthy man. Their faces disfigured as they watched baffled how both Don Armando and the boy hugged and hands-shook as if they were the best friends. "I'm so glad you've accepted my invitation. Come, I want you to meet my daughter and wife... Excuse me ladies, I must welcome a close friend of mine Mr. José Cindirillo. Have a great time."
"Did you see that mom? Since when Cindirillo is a friend of Don Armando?" Protested Ana. "Look he's taking him to the VIP section!"
"I don't know how or since when... But I promise I'll find it out." Teeth clenched the woman uttered with bitterness.
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"Susana, I want to introduce you the man that saved my life two weeks ago. Because of him, I was back home for breakfast that day, remember?" Somehow with fatherly pride, Don Armando talked about Cindirillo to his wife. "This is Mr. José Cindirillo, the owner of the town's fishmonger."
"It's a great pleasure to finally meet you sir. We are grateful for what you did for my husband. Welcome to our hotel." The lady hugged Cindirillo.
"It was my pleasure, Doña Susana. I'm glad things came up so well. Always happy to help. Thank you for inviting me."
"Now I want you to meet my daughter. She's your same age... Amanda...", the gentleman called the young lady to their left. "Come here sweetie, I want you to meet a friend of us, Mr. José Cindirillo."
Dressed in white and gold, like an earthly angel, the beautiful teenager approached extending her hand to greet the boy and beaming a warm and welcoming smile. Her stunning face was almost heavenly with delicate features. Deep chocolate eyes glowed happily, sincere, and the boy felt his heart hammering arrhythmically inside his chest when the girl placed a kiss on his cheek. "Nice to meet you José."
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"Nice to meet you, Amanda", Cindirillo stuttered, his hands shaking to have in front of him the most charming woman ever.
"My dear Amanda, why don't you take José with your friends? I'm pretty sure he'll feel more comfortable hanging out with the younger people." Don Armando suggested.
"Sure!" She gladly replied. "Come with me José, I want you to meet some friends." Holding Cindirillo's hand, Amanda took him where her friends were.
From the opposite side of the hall, Doña Carmiña and her daughters burned with envy to see Cindirillo having fun, talking with the most important people in the party.
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***Yay! Finally Cindirillo meets the princess in the story? What do you think will happen now? Never done before a story with a Latino full cast, how do you like that into the twist of this version?
