The Dreamer

By Rosa Isabel Colón

How can I know for sure that this time he will even receive my letter or answer it, she questions. She gets up and walks a few steps, picks up a poppy flower and starts to strip off the leaves.

He loves me, loves me not

She strips off the petals of the flower and sighs. She lifts her face to the heavens and presses the ring to her chest, squeezing her eye lids very hard, holding it with strength and mentally picturing that she is living with Marco. The memory of Marcos image makes her laugh.

I wonder where he can be right now and how he is doing in college

Oh, Marco Antonio, I miss you so much, old friend. Why cant I feel you? Who are you sharing your heart with? It feels like you have vanished. Marco Antonio please comes back to me I need to hug you, dance and laugh out loud like we used to do when you were here, she cries out.

At that very same moment, Marco Antonio is coming out of a party with a slim American girl named Chantal Clara Halm.

Young and handsome Marco Antonio Vallardo is a real princeand 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 thoughts and hearts united at birth is interrupted by Chantal, a fortune-seeking American, who attempts to divide the two lovers and get control of Marcos fortune. With the help of Rosas secret admirer, Raul Valle and Madame Cando, the niece of a wizard, Chantal is soon engaged to Marco Antonio.

At sixteen, Rosa is a Latin beauty who looks like a goddess; even so, when a beautiful and rich American woman tantalizes Marco while on a visit to the big city and steals him away, Rosa is heartbroken. Rosa can hardly believe it when her safe and happy world is shattered by disillusion. Lost without Marco Antonio or any memory from the past, it is up to her to find herself, create a new future and reclaim her true love. But is it too late?

The Dreamer is a magical and passionate tale of intrigue that illustrates that nothing is impossible if the love shared is genuine.

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: Jun 22, 2011
• ISBN: 9781462022939

Rosa Isabel Colón

Rosa Isabel Colón Laureano (Born March 1, 1956 in San Juan Puerto Rico) is a singer, writer, composer and cancer survivor. She is the 3rd of five children born to Jose Colón and Margarita Laureano, has one daughter, Xyomara Cruz. Colon is an Esthetician who loves people and has exclusive taste.

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Copyright © 2007, 2011 by Rosa Isabel Colón

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This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, names, incidents, organizations, and dialogue in this novel are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

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ISBN: 978-1-4620-2295-3 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4620-2294-6 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-4620-2293-9 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2011908882

Printed in the United States of America

iUniverse rev. date: 06/15/2011

A Book description

The Dreamer is the love story about Rosa Isabell, a brave and free spirited woman, and her love for Marco Antonio, her childhood friend. Her safe and happy world will be disturbed by intrigue, a broken heart and disillusion. It will take all of her courage and determination to win Marco’s heart and, in order to do so she is going to have to face the dirty tricks of Raul, Chantal and the spells of the witch Cando. Come with me and experience the power of love of this couple and the true friendship of their three friends, a loving Goldie, a mischievous cricket and an honorable frog name Coquí.

Quote

I have a world to conquer, dreams to reach, goals to achieve, all to prove that dreams do comes true.

Acknowledgments

I want to give recognition to some of the people that helped to make this possible. Thanks to Angel Varela for the wise advice and support he gave me. To Jimmie Lee Martin who always encouraged me, Sherryma Smith Chow who helped me to put everything together, Eduardo Torres the guy I made crazy during the entire creation of my book. To Xyomara A. Cruz my baby girl for giving me her serious silent support. Tatiana Rybak for the strength she spreads. Linda Winters for her incredible help in editing my book. Finally my mom Margarita Laureano, the most incredible human being I have known. She taught me the art of sharing, love, honesty, also to be persistent and never give up.

Bendición mami.

Te amo.

The Contents

Chapter 1

Garden of the Senses

The Farewell

Chapter 2

The beginning

The birth

The Princess Room

Chapter 3

Reminiscence

Chapter 4

The Party Plan

Chapter 5

The Afternoon Ride

Chapter 6

The mustache

The Return

The Offer

The Market Place

The Arrival

Chapter 7

The Party

The Clash

Chapter 8

The Devastation

The Secret

Chapter 9

The Gathering

The Discovery

No Recollection

Chapter 10

Back at the River

Chapter 11

Decision

The Trip

Confession

Chapter 12

The Tent

Chapter 13

The Return

Chapter 14

Nightmares

Pleasant Fruits

Chapter 15

The Witch

The Instructions

Chapter 16

The Magic Crystals

Chapter 17

The Clash

Begging Time

Chapter 18

The News

Daddy’s Girl

Chapter 19

The Advice

Light, Men and Water

Chapter 20

The wedding Day

Chapter 21

Squeaking Bells

The Opposition

The Rescue

Spells Backfire

Wedding Nuptials

The Wishing Well

Dedication

I want to dedicate this book to my daughter Xyomara Ayleen Cruz the light of my eyes, my mom Margarita Laureano, my family and friends and to all the people that in one way or another inspired me to write this book.

Photos of Characters

Character #1- Rosa Isabell.tif

Rosa Isabell Colón

Character #2 -Marco Antonio.tif

Marco Antonio Vallardo

Character #3 - Jose & Maggie Rivera.tif

Jose & Maggie

Character #4- Guillermo & Rebeca Vallardo.tif

Guillermo & Rebecca

Character #5 - Raul Valle.tif

Raúl Valle

Character #6 - Chantal Clara Halm.tif

Chantal Clara Halt

Character #8 - Madame Cando.tif

Madame Cando

Character #7 - Kimbili Cumba Davis.tif

Kimbili Cumba Davis

Character #9 - Coco, cricket & coqui.tif

Coquí /Cricket/Coco

Chapter 1

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