Cesar frantically waited for his brother before going after Carmen. Soon they rush to the seminary. Maria’s father was disturbed over Carmen, just leaving without letting anyone know. He also feared the worst, being seduced by unscrupulous friends attempting to deflower her.
He was certain Carmen was not aware of the talk and reputation of Asuncion having an ongoing affair with the priest. Asuncion is his girlfriend as they have been together for quite a while. The towns heated gossip had become well-founded despite their feeble attempts to kept it quiet. A priest in training was to reframe from having sexual relations making matters even worst. As Cesar and his brother continued their search for Carmen, his anger grew over the whole situation. News of the priests promiscuous active would be scandalous for Carmen should this story get out about her being part of a sexual triangle with the priest and Asuncion. Given the flighty passed of Carmen’s mother, Cesar felt an obligation to protect her from such unscrupulous activities while she remained under his roof. He was determined to find her and bring her back to his house before any of this got out.
Carmen was a beautiful girl, not yet eighteen years of age. She and Asuncion, several years her senior, became friends hanging out in town together every week. Rumors spun around over Asuncion’s sexually involved with the seminary priest blemishing her reputation in town. This night, it would seem the two lovers concocted the idea for Asuncion to bring Carmen to the priest’s flat so they could seduce her. Upon their arrival, Asuncion knocks on the door, introducing Carmen as they walked in. They all sat around the kitchen table, ensuring Carmen sat between them as they began to chat and drinking wine.
While this was going on Cesar and his brother frantically search the seminary campus with no luck in finding her. They began asking other students if they knew where the priest lived? A student suggested they try an apartment building further down off campus as many seminary students had flats there. They thank the young man and quickly made their way to the flats.
Meanwhile, Carmen was in discussion with Asuncion and the priest. She was a bit shy over the sexual conversation they had begun chatting about, but the wine was helping take away her bashful tendencies. The discussion continued over the need for love and affection in life. Carmen opened up about her loneliness describing how her family’s past reputation is a thorn in her side.
She takes a long sigh, “Many people stay clear of me, mostly the respectable ones who raised their noses having nothing to do with me.” Shaking her head, “The only interest I seem to attract are the sleazy shadowy guys in town.” She always got the creeps when they watched her. It was frightening and depressed her even more.
The priest smiled, “Carmen, the loneliness you feel is normal for your age. It is a part of life. We all go through these feelings of being undesirable.”
Asuncion, “You see, just as I told you, Carmen. We are friends and should be able to share feelings about our desires to seek love.”
The priest started pouring more wine, “Carmen, please drink some more wine; it will calm your nerves as you confess your desires and needs.” While looking down at Carmen their eyes met, “We are here to help you. You know, that right?”
She took another sip of wine and nodded yes, but at that moment a chill went through her body as she felt a bit uncomfortable as his peering stare reminded her of the sleazy men in town. Confused she began wondering where is this discussion leading? She began fidgeting as her discomfort grew. Asuncion, sensing hesitation started to softly rub her arms and neck while chatting. As Carmen took another sip of wine the anxiety seem to wash away. She was feeling more and more relaxed. The alcohol from the wine was beginning to take effect. Her discomfort seemed to vanish as the trio continued drinking and chatting.
With a smile the priest nodded in agreement, “We should all loosen up a bit and become better acquainted…hmm.”
Carmen looked at the priest and Asuncion taking another sip, “I just want to belong, to be cared for. To lift this dark cloud from my family’s past and have a normal life.” Her tongue loosens as the wine was beginning taking effect.
Asuncion continued her messaging slowly moving her hands down the back of Carmen’s neck while her lips lightly touched her skin as she gave small kisses. Carmen let out a slight gasp under her breath as she began to feel stimulated by the touch. Lowering the dress from her shoulders, Asuncion unsnapped her bra and started softly rubbing and scratching her back. Carmen let out a low soft moan as she felt shivers down her spine feeling the pleasure of Asuncion’s sensual touches.
Then in a bold move, Asuncion placed her hand on Carmen’s outer thigh slowly raising her skirt while messaging her leg, “We all need to be loved. It is one of the most beautiful things we possess.” Then cuts her eyes towards the priest, “I mean, who would know better than a priest?”
Laughter erupted as the priest refilled Carmen’s glass then placed three cigarettes in his mouth, striking a match lighting them handing each of them one. All was going as planned for the couple until…
knock, knock, knock…at the door.
Frustrated the priest got up to see who it could be at the door at this hour. He opened the door, Cesar and his brother rushed in relieved to have found Carmen.
Acting coy while shutting the door, “What is the meaning of this? Who are you?”
Cesar turns looking at the priest, “We are Carmen’s family and have come to take her home.”
“What? Why? She does not have a father.” As he turned staring at Asuncion in confusion.
Seeing his confusion she explained, “This is Cesar, Carmen is one of his apprentices.”
Turning back around Cesar sees Asuncion and Carmen still seated at the kitchen table. Carmen’s dress was off her shoulders well below her bust line as her bra was unclasped yet still covering her. When Cesar saw this, fury raged in his eyes as they met Asuncion, who lowered her head as she could not look at him. “You should be ashamed.” While simultaneously swinging around to confront the priest. A heated argument ensued over the priest bring women to his private quarters so late at night.
“What do you mean bringing a young girl to your quarters this time of the evening? Why is she nearly undressed? How dare you…you…a priest!”
The priest became defensive, “What do you mean barging into my flat like this? You are not her father! If you don’t get out, I’m calling the constable, LEAVE NOW!”
Hearing this exchange rattled Carmen, who then notices her dress was down around her waist…in a knee jerk reaction she gasped covering up with her hands. Embarrassed she quickly hooked her bra and pulled her dress back over her shoulders…this frighten her…confused over how her clothes had been peeled off of her. She immediately tried to stand up, causing her to become dizzy as she started stumbling. Cesar grabs her before she fell. Having so much wine made her feel sluggish and a little bit sick.
Cesar continued, “You call yourself a priest.” Looking him in the eye, “You are no priest! You’re a predator!”
“GET OUT!” the priest demanded.
The priest, now out of shear rage, “Cesar, you have no right to interfere where you are not wanted. Get out!”
Seeing Cesar’s rage, his brother helped Carmen up and motioned for them to leave, “Let’s go.”
Cesar nodded coming to his senses, knowing if this rondevu was found out, it could cause Carmen trouble.
Looking back at the priest, “She is coming with us.” As they left slamming the door.
Cesar and his brother quietly helped Carmen walk as they left the flat. Silently, they made their way back to his home, hoping all the ruckus did not cause too much of a scene. His only thoughts were to protect her honor and curtail any gossip within the small community.
Thirty minutes later, Cesar felt a sigh of relief as they made it back home. Once inside the house, Dorotea gave Carmen a hug, “Thank God.” as she helped Carmen to the bathroom where she became sick from drinking so much wine.
“Carmen,” she explained, “I know you are seeking friends who treat you well and can be trusted. This outing may have seemed like a friendly get together, but…” Dorotea explained the situation over what they were doing and how her being seen with them would only cause her pain and regret by taking part in such a fling. “Worst giving her a bad reputation in town.”
Dorotea gave her background about Asuncion reputation as a promiscuous woman. Especially having relations with a seminary priest. She let Carmen know, “We are looking out for your best interest and reputation.” Carmen still buzzing off the wine with tears in her eyes thanked Dorotea and Cesar for looking out for her. Dorotea gave her another hung, “Your safe now.” Then put her to bed. Carmen fell sound asleep before her head hit the pillow after such a nightmarish night.
Meanwhile, downstairs in the kitchen, Cesar thanked his brother for helping him. Unaware of the enemy made back at the seminary. The shock of embarrassment began to wear off. The priest became enraged by Cesar’s interference while accusing him and Asuncion as a disgrace to the community. The more he thought it over the more his heart overflowed in anger. Asuncion remained silent as he began plotting his revenge to destroy Cesar and his family. The pretentious young priest went that very night to the constables, considered the local police, bring accusations of Cesar breaking the towns civil law!
In the distance, that dark dense cloud Carmen spoke of was about to become all too real for Maria and her family.
As Maria begins the next saga, she smiles, “Thank God for the Open Window!“
Source: Maria’s Words