Chapter 21 - A Mother's stance.

Act One Scene One

🎬

A beautiful view of the sun setting at Casa Bonita, Teresa sitting at the poolside slowly drawing the smoke from the rich and balanced cigar into her mouth.

The acidic taste of this cigar is exactly how my life has tasted since you left me "mi amor",

everything seems nickel-and-dime without you.

~Teresa

"The smoke from the cigar trailed upwards creating an art piece similar to that of her husband's image, she touched it to her soft lips letting the art flow into her breath. Her eyes closed for some seconds she proceeds with her internal monologue."

I am certain you are proud of me and how I raised your son.

I still recollect that faithful night when I held your hands as you bled to death, it torments me each time I hark back to it.

Forgive me, mi amor!

~Teresa

Forgive you for what?

~Mateo

Son, you started me.

I did not hear your car roar, How are you?

~Teresa

You sure won't Mom, You were so immersed in your thoughts.

Again I ask,

what exactly should you be forgiven of?

~Mateo

It has been years since your father was snatched from us and we still have not been able to uncover his murderers,

I feel so disgruntled knowing that they are still moving around the world with their heads on their shoulders.

~Teresa

I understand how you feel Mom, but I promise you I am not going to rest till I find the father killers and make them pay for their sins.

They will never get away with it, never!

~Mateo

He had so many rivalries, each wanting to take the privilege of putting an end to his dominance in the business world.

Unveiling who exactly won't be a pushover.

~Teresa

Murderers are always hungry for more blood, First, they took down my father I'm certain they will come back for me, and I am so ready for them.

~Mateo

You leave a beautiful smile on my face whenever you sound that way, Your father would be very pleased with your son.

Come sit with me and tell me how your run after the contract is going.

~Teresa

While Mateo sits very close to Teresa, she offers him a smoke from her cigar.

I hearken to your words of wisdom mom, the competition is much and the only way I can beat them is by playing smart.

~Mateo

Now you are beginning to sound very serious and interested in the contract.

How is it going then?

~Teresa

Mateo inhales a large amount of fumes and exhales it in the air letting the smoke daring to cause harm.

I have a challenge, Mom.

I cannot seem to come up with a perfect way to close in on her, she is a tough one.

~Teresa

She may be tough but she is feminine regardless,

You are one very fine wealthy man and that should do

~Teresa

No mom.

She is different, she proves to be difficult I have been through her records.

The scuttlebutt has it that she is a spy engaged in counter-espionage for her father.

~Mateo

There is only one way to find out if these words on the street are valid.

Let's have her at our party.

~Teresa

How am I supposed to do that, ị have an impediment.

~Mateo

I am certain you are referring to your marriage right?

Well,

I will take care of that.

~Teresa

What do you intend to do?

You do not have any association with her,

at least none that I know of.

~Mateo

"chuckles"

I am Teresa Rodriguez,

I have a link to everything. You must be ready to enthrall her.

~Teresa

I must admit I am a very lucky man to have you as my mother,

I love you, Mom.

~Mateo

Son, I love you more.

Now go freshen up dinner will soon be served.

~Teresa

Mateo leaves the scene, and heads for Esmerald's room.

Act One Scene Two.

🎬

My Queen.

I missed you and my baby.

~Mateo

We missed you too.

How was your day at the office?

~Esmerald

Very challenging but I am a resilient man and you know it.

~Mateo

"She smiles"

Yes, I know you are a very resilient man.

Tell me about the contract, Have you been able to secure a deal with Evans-trans?

~Esmerald

Not yet my love but I will soon.

~Mateo

You sound so confident,

What is the ploy?

~Esmerald

Now don't bother yourself with that, okay?

I have everything under control.

Besides you are carrying my son and I do not need him affected by anything.

~Mateo

He is fine and the same with me.

I do not like how you constantly keep in nescient on the company affairs, don't you think I deserve some enlightenment?

~Esmerald

You don't need these troubles certainly not in this condition.

You just take care of yourself and my son for now, when you are done with this then we can talk about the company.

I just don't want my son in any danger.

~Mateo

I visited the hospital, your son is doing well so you don't need to be perturbed.

~Esmerald

Good to know that he is sound, but why do you keep visiting the hospital?

Why don't you let the doctor do a home check-up?

~Mateo

If ị am going to stay in this house just like you instructed and not involve myself with any activity, both at home and the office then it's fair enough that I at least go for a check-up by myself.

~Esmerald

But Esmeralda the baby needs to...

~Mateo

The baby is very fine honey.

I am not doing anything stressful to put the baby in harm's way, so please do not impose the home check-ups on me.

That would make me infuriated.

~Esmerald

Fine!

You just make sure my boy is in good condition,

I won't be pleased either to hear otherwise.

~Mateo

You won't.

I will be waiting for you downstairs, Dinner will soon be served don't take long.

See you in a little while.

~Esmerald

Esmerald kisses Mateo before leaving the room.