Young and handsome Marco Antonio Vallardo is a real prince-and one who is enamored with his childhood friend, the independent and spirited Rosa Isabell. The two share an incredible love on a small island in the Caribbean. Consequently, the union of their

THE DREAMER

By Rosa Isabel Colón

iUniverse, Inc.

Copyright © 2011 Rosa Isabel Colón
All right reserved.
ISBN: 978-1-4620-2295-3

Contents

Garden of the Senses.....................1The Farewell.............................5The beginning............................17The birth................................22The Princess Room........................30Reminiscence.............................33The Party Plan...........................37The Afternoon Ride.......................44The mustache.............................48The Return...............................49The Offer................................54The Market Place.........................58The Arrival..............................65The Party................................68The Clash................................72The Devastation..........................84The Secret...............................87The Gathering............................92The Discovery............................102No Recollection..........................108Back at the River........................113Decision.................................116The Trip.................................124Confession...............................127The Tent.................................132The Return...............................139Nightmares...............................141Pleasant Fruits..........................146The Witch................................152The Instructions.........................161The Magic Crystals.......................163The Clash................................166Begging Time.............................172The News.................................179Daddy's Girl.............................186The Advice...............................189Light, Men and Water.....................191The wedding Day..........................196Squeaking Bells..........................199The Opposition...........................200The Rescue...............................202Spells Backfire..........................209Wedding Nuptials.........................212The Wishing Well.........................214

Chapter One

Garden of the Senses

Marco Antonio is filled with sadness. His only companion is the sound of the forest. Sitting on a huge stone he is lost in thought contemplating the beautiful view and reflecting upon his departure. He is in an enchanting place near the huge waterfall of the Bamboo River which runs through the whole valley of Llebasi. This is a perfect and romantic place where innocence and the essence of nature are manifested in splendor, filled with the aroma of gardenias and jasmine.

The day is warm and humid; the leaves of the plants visibly sweat from the heat, especially the ones closest to the waterfall. Marco has invited Rosa Isabell to meet him here to say farewell since he is leaving for college in a faraway land. His face reflects the sadness he feels inside. He has lived his whole life on this island. He doesn't want to leave the people he loves behind, especially his best friend Rosa Isabell.

Marco is the only son of the Vallardo family. He is a rich young man, not only materially speaking, but in talent, as well. He is a genius when it comes to math and he also possesses the art of influencing people with his words. His bright green eyes and long, intense black lashes are striking against his pale complexion, making him the admiration of the young women in Llebasi. He is proud of his heritage and it fills him with pleasure to say he is pure Llebasi. His feelings, ideas, and style are influenced by Llebasian culture. He is tall, firm, and strong, someone people trust and lean upon. He takes after his grandfather, for whom he was named, and from whom Marco inherited his good taste. He is a gentleman, true and proper; His personality is elegant and charismatic. Marco Antonio Vallardo is a real prince.

Marco is wearing a light cotton shirt with square patterns and khaki pants. Feeling the intensity of the heat, he takes off his hat to take in the freshness of the waterfall and with the sleeve of his shirt wipes his forehead. Thank God this season there are no flying insects trying to drink from the sweat of his brow. Suddenly, he sees Rosa Isabell approaching through the plush and colorful terrain below.

"Marcooo!"

Completely unaware of her beauty, Rosa Isabell screams his name in the distance. Her eyes shine with joy, as they always do when she is with Marco Antonio. They both have an easy playful nature and enjoy a good time being mischievous with one another. At sixteen, with the Latin beauty in her genes and her penetrating eyes, Rosa Isabell looks mysterious, like a goddess from the most enchanting stories of the Llebasi indigenous people.

"Rosa Isabell! Here I am!" Marco Antonio replies, smiling and waving his hand, looking at her. As Rosa Isabell approaches Marco, he enjoys the smoothness of her ritual walk, observing her in detail. Her pink dress with its flower print arouses tenderness. She smells of wild flowers, as if the fragrance emanates from the flowers of her dress. She wears her hair loose. It is long, black, wavy, and flows down to her tiny waist. Rosa has a small face, bronzed skin that is soft as silk, plump lips the color of honey and eyes that sparkle like sunshine. She has a guitar figure with voluptuous hips that move like palm trees swaying in the wind as she walks. All those who know her enjoy her gestures, grace and innocent charm.

The women of the Rivera family are known for their grand beauty and Rosa Isabell is no exception. In town the women envy her for being the most desired of all. She is different from the other young girls of the neighborhood. Her thoughts are pure and beautiful like her soul. She usually makes decisions based both on intuition and logic; she doesn't want to change the world, just make it happier. Spoiled since birth by her parents and sisters, Rosa Isabell is genuinely happy. She channels her creative energy into all forms of artistic expression, especially dancing, singing and acting.

Although she's greatly loved, her talent often provokes envy in others. She doesn't have many close friends except for Marco Antonio. Although she knows many people, she is content and peaceful when she is alone. When she is with others she enjoys their individuality and seeks their inner beauty and purity. Nonetheless, Rosa Isabell lacks a deep connection with others, and can almost be misperceived as antisocial. On the contrary, she loves people; it's only her shyness that keeps her at a distance. She's always in another world ... her world, as she always says.

She breathes deeply. "Hmm, summer is here. I can smell the flowers," she says loudly. The sound of a flock of white birds flying overhead catches Rosa's attention. Even though she is sure of herself and feels good in her own skin, Marco's eyes on her always make her nervous. He is watching me, she thinks. Embarrassed for not being in good enough shape to make the climb easily, Rosa stops and shows Marco the flock of birds, taking the time to catch her breath.

"Look, Marco, how cool! The birds are leaving. They are migrating south. Oh, I would love to fly like that, caramba!"

The place where Marco is waiting for her is elevated and is difficult to reach. The smile reflected in Rosa's eyes slowly begins to wane as she continues up the path. Smiling casually at him, she zigzags from side to side to make the task easier. This is something she learned from the country people of the region. Rosa sighs heavily as she reaches the top. The view from this place would have taken her breath away if she hadn't already lost it from the climb.

Marco looks at her with admiration. He welcomes her with a great smile on his face and a yellow rose between his fingers as he extends his hand to help her up the few steps that separate them. Once next to him, Rosa accepts the flower with grace and gives Marco a kiss on the cheek, close enough to his mouth, and long enough to be remembered. She then sighs, gasping for air. This is their private meeting place, a garden of the senses. It is a cozy, unforgettable, warm paradise. Their story is as old as the oldest tree in Llebasi. This is the beginning of a new era where illusion is intertwined with the desires and the fantasy of love.

"It's incredible. This place never stops impressing me," Rosa says, as she fans herself with her silky Spanish fan. "And, this hill, boy, this hill seems harder to climb each time. Well, I have come at once, as always. You don't have to call me twice."

"Hi, beautiful, I am so glad you are here. I need to have one of those dream days you usually have," Marco sighs, putting his head down, leaning on a huge tree where he had been sitting before her arrival.

"What's wrong?" she asks. "Why are you acting like this? Are you depressed? What? You didn't think I wasn't coming? We've been coming here since we're ten years old. This is our secret place." Rosa looks around, smiling to herself while Marco seems disturbed. He takes a deep breath looking longingly at the view and moaning inside.

"I am going to miss this place," he says.

Marco pauses and looks softly into Rosa's eyes with sadness, but smiles at seeing her rosy cheeks. "Your face is all pink."

"The heat and the hill are not easy," she replies, still fanning herself. "I'm having hot flashes. I believe I am in menopause," Rosa states.

"That's impossible, you are only sixteen."

"Please, I've been in men all pause since thirteen.

"I assure you that is not possible," Marco says firmly.

"I said, 'men all pause' dummy, not menopause. When I pass by, all men pause. You get it?" She winks an eye then bursts out in loud laughter.

"Hmm, you are so funny. Tell me, my friend, where are you coming from? What have you done? I know that face. You have a smile from ear to ear," Marco asks.

"You can tell, right? My mom always says I speak with my eyes. I was in a riddle competition; I had to unscramble words, do puzzles, and spell long words. I had such a good time. No one could beat me!"

Marco squeezes out a small smile, enjoying her excitement. "You are too much!" He frowns and looks down, remembering he has to say good-bye. Immediately, he looks at her tenderly, like he never has before, caressing her face and removing a petal of gardenia from her hair.

"What garden did you tear apart today?"

"None, you are so rude! You forget that I am a rose? Remember, I am in autumn soon to be renewed."

"That's where you are wrong. You are not a single flower but a whole garden in spring." He smiles softly, and then looks at her with moist eyes almost to the point of tears. Trying not to show weakness, Marco clears his throat and changes the topic.

"Hmm, you have a strong perfume on today."

"Oh, those are the flowers. I thought it would be perfect to pick summer flowers for a bath. I collected some gardenias. Their fragrance is so strong their aroma is now steeped in my hands."

"Yes, I can smell you from afar," Marco says fanning his nose.

"Come on, be nice," she taps him on the shoulder and laughs. "You know, Marco, today I woke up earlier than usual. I went for a walk to the other side of the waterfall and I discovered a patch of white and yellow roses under one of the rocks by the left wing. To my curiosity, I noticed the white ones had spread slower than the yellow ones, which have brighter color and a longer, more formed stem. Inside the petals, small figurines developed that looked as if they were out of a fairy tale. I could not describe exactly what they were. They seemed enchanted, like reminders of living souls that once lived and have now decided to spread something special in our town. Marco, do you think angels can manifest through nature in any living form? Like fairies?"

"I don't know, but anything is possible," Marco replies, laughing at her charming innocence. Then he holds Rosa by her hands.

The Farewell

"Come with me. Look, I want you to see something. I just carved your name and mine in this tree. Marco Antonio and Rosa Isabell are friends forever. How do you like it?" asks Marco.

"Oh, that's beautiful! I really like it. But tell me, Marco, why did you ask me to meet you here? Come on, give it up and tell me."

He looks surprised at her words. "Rosa Isabell. What kind of talk is that? If your parents hear you talking like that I don't think they'll like it."

"You always look so disturbed when I speak like that. That's why I do it. I love to see your face."

"Anyway, how do you know I have to tell you something?"

"It's obvious. When you have problems or when you are worried about something, you always come here, especially on Saturdays after you've been fishing with the guys. I always wonder why you return depressed from fishing. Anyway, did you forget I can read your mind and feel your sorrows? I already know," she sighs, "you have decided to go to college far away from here."

"You really know me well. I can't hide anything from you. It's scary," Marco responds.

"Why would you want to hide anything?" Rosa questions with a smile.

"I'm serious, girl. My father finally convinced me. I have everything ready but I couldn't go without saying good-bye to you. I know it's good for my career to study in the city, but I am going to miss you so much. If my opinion counted, I would have chosen to stay and get my degree here in Llebasi. I don't really want to go."

"Marco Antonio, I think it's wonderful for you to be able to broaden your horizons, experience new cultures, travel to different cities, meet different people, and try different foods and everything! I should be glad for you, and I am, believe me. It's just that those are too many different things you're going to experience and it may just change your personality. You may change so much that maybe you won't love me anymore."

"You never have to worry about that. That will never happen. My love for you will always be the same," he answers tenderly.

Rosa suddenly gets sad and emotional.

"Marco Antonio, I don't like the idea of this separation. I feel my heart tearing apart. I don't know how I'm going to survive without you." Before she finishes the sentence, tears run down her face. Rosa smiles sadly, hiding her feelings and drying her tears. "I am sorry. I know you have to leave. Don't worry, I'll wait for you. I will wait all my life for you. Can you please just hurry up and leave, so you can come back faster."

"What are you saying little princess?" he looks at her with surprise. "Wait for me? There is no reason for that. Mira, mama, you go out there and have some fun, do you hear me? Don't wait for me or anyone. You need to live your life. I will feel better knowing you are happy and having fun."

"You sound disturbed," Rosa says.

"Well, yes, a little," he giggles.

"Why? Why are you laughing?"

"Rosa Isabell, por favor, you are so romantic and such a dreamer. I am sure by the time I come back you will be married with kids, or at the very least have a steady boyfriend. There are so many guys chasing after you, and crazy about you, like Raul Valle, for example, who has lost his heart to you and to whom you pay no attention. Poor guy, he always gets so mad."

"Hello? That's a sign. I don't like him," she says rolling her eyes.

"You'd better be careful. Some romances start weirdly like that."

"Oh, no, not you too! Why does everybody say that?" she replies. "I don't like him, okay? At least not like that. He's just an acquaintance." Rosa walks away upset. She feels she is being pushed into another man's arms, by the same human being she adores.

"Okay, okay, I am sorry. I'll tell you what; you don't need my permission to get married or have a boyfriend, but if it makes you feel better, just say he has to be approved by me. Okay?" His eyes laugh even when his lips do not.

"I am not going to date or marry anybody!" she cries, her words tangled between a gasp and a scream.

"All right, calm down, mama, I am just kidding with you, I don't want to get married either."

"Why is that?"

"I want to travel the world and navigate the oceans. I think that's going to take my whole life," he says smiling.

"Someday you have to come back to land and I will be there waiting."

Marco laughs, gets closer and holds her in his arms. He looks pensively at her face. "Rosa Isabell, do you know you have a queen's name?"

"Oh, yeah, I am a queen, all right. A queen without a throne, a castle or a king! That's depressing."

"That hasn't stopped you from being happy. That's one of the things I like so much about you. You are always happy and singing."

With lips filled with contentment she smiles and her eyes become as bright as the brightest star. She walks a few steps away from him. "There are too many sad people in the world. Besides, I was born to sing. I want to live my life singing and letting the whole world hear my voice. Marco, do you know that music has magical powers? It moves you, touches you, brings hope, and brings people together. It's like loving and being loved!"

She looks at him passionately and puts her lips in position to receive a kiss. Marco clears his dry throat with a cough and swallows with difficulty. He feels warm inside and in that instant, he is overcome with a desire to hold her in his arms and kiss her, but he fights the impulse of the emotion that comes over him, and he breaks the silence.

"Yes, well that was awkward. Believe me. I know, sweetie. Tell me, have you already decided what you are going to major in?" Marco asks.

Rosa answers with confidence. "Yes, I have. I want to get a Master's Degree in music, acting and drama. I have decided I want to be a big star and travel to different places singing my heart out."

(Continues...)

Excerpted from THE DREAMERby Rosa Isabel Colón Copyright © 2011 by Rosa Isabel Colón. Excerpted by permission of iUniverse, Inc.. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
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