Constantino: Rapaces, #1

By Clotilde Martinez

        Do you remember the first time you saw the One? Constantino Fernandez does. He knew that Febronia Roca aka Moura was his; the second he saw her picture on her great aunt's kitchen table. Never mind that he's not old enough to drive yet. Never mind that 3,260 miles separates them. Never mind that Moura doesn't know that he exists. Deep down in the trenches of his heart, Constantino knows that she's one worth waiting for.

      After years of waiting for his beloved Siren, Constantino's dream is coming true. Moura is coming to Ardura. Their first meeting doesn't go exactly the way Constantino had planned. Moura isn't impressed with the raven hair soccer fanatic attorney.  She finds him to be arrogant and wants no dealings with him. The only reason, Moura has come to Ardura is that her Great Aunt Febronia had named her as successor of her estate. Moura has two goals. Settle her Great Aunt's affairs and go back home to Jersey.

     Constantino has a mission of his own. Convince Moura to stay.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Aranga2Cee
• Release date: Sep 14, 2019
• ISBN: 9781393355755

Clotilde Martinez

For those who are curious to know about me. Here’s a few tidbits. This Jersey girl comes from a large super close Galician family. My siblings and cousins were the first to rallied around me when I was diagnosed with both ovarian and uterine cancer. After working overnight, my brother drove to the hospital where I was getting my surgery. My sister held my hand when I went to my first chemo treatment. My other brother drove me back and forth to my treatments. Cancer for me has been a blessing. It sounds weird saying that but it’s the truth. I have so many people praying for me, sending me positive thoughts, that it gave me the strength to deal with the aftermath of the treatments. When I lost hair, I couldn’t stop staring at myself in mirror. Which I could explained how powerful and how fucking beautiful I felt in my bald head stage. The hair has grown back. It’s curly. The color’s now salt and pepper. I’m rocking it.

Book preview

INTRODUCTION

Do you remember the first time you saw the One? Constantino Fernandez does. He knew that Febronia Roca aka Moura was his; the second he saw her picture on her great aunt’s kitchen table. Never mind that he’s not old enough to drive yet. Never mind that 3,260 miles separates them. Never mind that Moura doesn’t know that he exists. Deep down in the trenches of his heart, Constantino knows that she’s one worth waiting for.

After years of waiting for his beloved Siren, Constantino’s dream is coming true. Moura is coming to Ardura. Their first meeting doesn’t go exactly the way Constantino had planned. Moura isn’t impressed with the raven hair soccer fanatic attorney.  She finds him to be arrogant and wants no dealings with him. The only reason, Moura has come to Ardura is that her Great Aunt Febronia had named her as successor of her estate. Moura has two goals. Settle her Great Aunt’s affairs and go back home to Jersey.

Constantino has a mission of his own. Convince Moura to stay.

CHAPTER ONE

Mama was crying. She has been since those men from the factory came to our door to tell us Papa was dead. It wasn’t fair, I thought as I kicked my bedroom door close. Leaving a black mark on its already fragile framework. I look around the room that I share with my twin brothers Ramon and Rodrigo. It wasn’t the greatest room in the world. Some of the guys on my soccer team like to jerk me around about me not having my own room and that my family didn’t live in the nice part of town. It wasn’t that Papa was a bum. We couldn’t afford to live in the nice part of town but that was going to change. Papa told me the night before the fire in factory. The fire that took him away from us.

It was my tenth birthday. Mama got me an ice cream cake. She wanted me to get a regular cake from the bakery but I didn’t want it.  I want what Mark Shelton had for his birthday. He was the richest kid in my class and my team mate. He was also my best friend. Mark was always inviting me to his house. I was jealous when I saw his room. It wasn’t big nor it was small but it was his own room. He didn’t have to share with twin brothers. After I open my presents, Papa said that he had a surprise for the whole family. We were moving to a new home at the end of month.  Best of all, I was getting my own room.

Now, I didn’t care about having my own room. I wanted my Papa back.  I want Mama to stop crying. For things to go back to the way things were. A loud knock on my door. Go away. I said to whoever was banging. Tino, open the door. We need to talk.  Just what I need. A lecture from my mama’s brother Candido. I like him. He was a good guy. Mama said that he was one of the best lawyers she ever knew. Papa used to tease her that Candido was the only lawyer she knew. I better open the door before Candido knocks again. How are you holding up, Tino.

Is he kidding me?  Papa is dead and he’s asking me how I’m holding up.  Not too good I can image. commiserate Candido ignoring the glare I was throwing his way. He continues to speak as my rage rises. You’re the man of the house now, Tino. Time to put away your anger. If your Papa was here, what would he want you to do?  Take care of Mama and Ramon and Rodrigo. I answered. Family come first. was what Papa always told me. He was right.

Your mama is not going to survive if she stays here, Tino. said Candido. That was true. My parents were crazy in love with each other.  Too crazy if you ask me. Mama is acting like her world is going to an end. What about my world? Why does it have to come to an end? Why don’t we move to the new house like Papa wanted us to? Why do we have to move to that stink hole village that Mama is from? Why do I have to give up my school, my soccer team and everything that I love to make Mama happy? What about me?

You’re going to like Ardura. The people are nice. I’m sure you’ll make friends with some of the boys over. Fa can’t wait to see you.  Josefa or Fa was Mama’s sister and my godmother. Every Christmas, she sends a package for my brothers and me. Guess this year, she doesn’t have to worry about sending me a package.  The tan suitcase on my bed laid open.  I haven’t pack. Yet. The flight is at 9:45 tomorrow morning, Tino.  Candido says it casually. I know what time we are leaving. He doesn’t have to remind me.  I want to scream at him. To tell him to go ahead and leave. We don’t need him but Candido was right. Mama was going to die if she stayed here. Papa would never forgive me if I let anything bad happen to Mama.

I walked over to my closet which was no bigger than the length of a broom. Candido nodded as I began to pack. I’m going to go and see if I can help Manuela with her packing.  He leaves the room.  After finishing the closet. I go over to the dresser and start pulling out drawers. Tossing everything on the bed. Candido said that whatever we were not taking, it was going to be donate. Thor stares at me. Papa gave me the weird looking stuffed dinosaur for my birthday. Don’t know what make Papa think that I want a dinosaur like Thor? But now, I will never let Thor out of sight.

This school sucks monkey’s blue batter balls. Stupid teacher. You’re not too clever, are you, Constantino Fernandez? She says as she makes me stand in front of the whole class, looking like the village idiot. Why? Because I didn’t know about some stupid battle that occur some gazillion years ago. Who freaking cares? They’re dead. They’re not coming back. Just like Papa. I shouldn’t be in this class with these babies. I’m supposed to be upstairs with the bigger kids. But no, the school administration felt that I be better off here. My teacher will help me adjust to my new school and maybe in a few months if all goes well, I will get bump up. Guess what, it’s been more a few months.

All this teacher does is criticize me and my accent. What wrong with my Bronx drawl? I’m not the only she picks on. There’s another boy. Kind of quiet. Almost nerdy. He does his homework. Is always polite in class but for some reason this teacher is always picking on him for no reason at all.  The other kids laughed at him. Expect for one. The brown hair boy is his only friend. At least, that is what I can tell. I don’t have any. Friends that is. I don’t plan to. Mama is working, now. She doesn’t need to protect her. It’s time for me to go back home. He’s right, Mrs. Lopez. Cardinal Richelieu was the one to declare war on Spain not the French king.  I’m shocked. I had no idea that the nerd could talk. Did I ask you for your opinion, Bastard.  The kid sits back down. His cheeks red from embarrassment.

His name is Arturo. I said, standing taller. What gives this woman the right to humiliate and harass us students?  I can call him whatever I want to call him. He is what he is. Just like you’re stupid. You and idiotic accent. You think that you’re from over there, you know everything.  I do know every and thing. I tell her smugly which earns me her hand across my face. This would never happen back home. No teacher would dare raise a hand against a child. No teacher would dare to ridicule a child. Detention- both of you.

By the time, detention was over, I was done with this place. This sick twisted excuse of a teacher had Arturo and me kneel on the floor with our arms outstretched.  With our palms up, she had us balancing textbooks. For an hour, she had us doing this. Arturo must have been use to this torture. He wasn’t even breaking a sweat. I was but I’ll be damn if I was going to let this witch win.

Fa had supper ready for me when I came over to her house. I spent more time at her home than I did at my own. My brothers were always hanging around with my other uncles down at the port. Ramon told me that he and Rodrigo are going to be sailors when they grew up. That’s great that they know what they want to do. All I want was to go back home when I grow older. How was school, Tino? Learn anything new? asked Fa.  For some reason, her question irked me. School is school.  I tell her with my mouth full.  If Fa noticed that I was being a jerk to her, she didn’t mention. Instead, she continued to asked me about my day. Was I adjusting to my new school? Feel free to bring your friends over her.  I laughed. I don’t have friends, Fa.  That can’t be true. There must be someone who wants to be your friend.  That is when my mouth opened.

Fa’s face tensed. She called him what?!!  A bastard. 

I thought that cheetahs were fast but Fa was quicker. Let’s go. She told me.  I got up from the table and follow her outside. Where are we going? I asked her as I got in the car with her. Fa doesn’t reply as she puts the car in drive.  The guy who lives here must be load, I thought as Fa pulls up to the two stories stone cream brick house. In the distance, I could see a barn. It was almost identical to Fa’s expect it was larger. The old man climbed down the front stairs and greet us. He looked familiar. Fa, what brings you out here?  Maximo, where’s Arturo?  He’s in the barn. Came home late from school, today.  Did he tell you why he was late? Told me he didn’t understand what his teacher was saying in class, so he stayed after to talk to the teacher.

What? Arturo didn’t tell him that he got detention? He has been doing a lot, lately. Staying after school. Normally, I will get upset if Arturo does not come home, right away. But school is a different story. The kid is genius. He reminds me of me when I was his age. Why are you asking me about Arturo?  Fa introduces me. This is my godson, Tino. He and Arturo are in the same class together. The old man responds by slapping me on the back. You don’t say. Feel free to come over anytime, I’m sure Arturo could like the company. He doesn’t get too many kids visiting him. Well expect for the Rodriguez kid. That Frolian- what a ham.  Mrs. Lopez gave Tino and Arturo detention.  Fa said as she dived into the reasons for the detention. Maximo’s face burn with anger when I told him the word that Fa couldn’t say. Repeat that word again. Maximo said. Fa looked as though she was going to break down any minute.  The next thing, I know is that I’m trying to catch up with Fa as we followed Maximo to the barn.

Arturo was mucking up the stalls. Arturo. At the sound of the old man’s gruff tone, Arturo turns around. His brown eyes widen in surprise as he takes in Fa and me. What happen in school, today?  Nothing. replies Arturo.  Maximo doesn’t waste time. Has anyone call you a bastard? Arturo flinches as if someone has hit him over the head with my old baseball bat. Fa goes over to him and hugs him. I ask you a question, Arturo. Who call you a bastard? demanded Maximo. Mrs. Lopez. Arturo cries as he places his face down on Fa’s shoulder. Arturo, come here.  said Maximo.

Arturo held on to Fa. I could tell he was debating if he should go to the old man. Not that I can blame him. But I have learned, the more you make them wait, the harder the punishment. The same thought must have run through Arturo’s mind since he was already by Maximo’s side.

His head was down. Arturo, I’m going to say this once. After today, we will never visit this subject. Do you understand me? Arturo’s head bopped up and down.  I need to hear the words, Arturo, and lifted your head up. I want to see your face.  Yes, Grandfather. answered Arturo following his grandfather’s orders. You, my boy, are the smartest boy I’ve ever known. Not only that. Nobody can make bocadillos like you can. The way you know what ingredients pair up with each other is a gift. You and your Mama are the best thing that ever happen to me. said Maximo patting his heart. It’s my fault that Mama isn’t here. replied Arturo, sorrowfully.  The old man wasn’t having it. It was evil that killed your Mama not you.  That evil runs through my veins. protested Arturo.  The only thing that is running through your veins is good old stubborn Bujan blood. You’re a Bujan! My pride and joy! I am so damn proud to call you my grandson.  Fa was goner. I have to admit that I got tear eye at the scene.

Two days later, I was surprised to see Candido entering my classroom.  I wasn’t the only one. Mrs. Lopez was caught berating Arturo again for no reason. The woman got a kick of bringing the guy down. What did you call him?  I’ve never seen Candido angry. For first time in my life, I actually felt sorry for Mrs. Lopez. That feeling quickly pass. Another woman walked in. She was older than Candido. Her hair was the color of papayas. My classmates gasped. Mrs. Lopez was trembling. What was this woman? That she can bring the witch to her knees.

I’ve been hearing disturbing reports about you, Sara. The Woman began.  Mrs. Lopez tried to interject but Candido shook his head. The woman continued. You were hired, Sara, to shape the minds of these children. To teach them all that you know. Nowhere in the contract, did it said you could harangue these students.  The woman paused. Mrs. Lopez seeing this, took advantage and spoke. Some students are difficult to teach.  The woman’s brow lifted upward. I see and what are these students that you speak of?  The witch wasted no time in saying my name and Arturo’s name.

Arturo Bujan, front and center, young man. ordered the woman. Arturo went to her.  The woman’s hazel eyes gaze over him before she called out my name. I could feel my uncle’s inquisitive eyes on me as I went over to the woman. Arturo, the other day I left my favorite pot outside. When I brought my pot in. It had turned green. Why was that?  Was the pot cooper? asked Arturo. It was. replied the woman. When cooper is exposed to the outer elements, it undergoes a series of chemical reactions. The results are you get a pale green color. explained Arturo. I see. Is cooper the only element that changes when it is expose to the outdoors? asked the woman. Iron is another element that changes. It turns this orange color brown.  The woman’s head bopped up and down. Arturo, how do you know about this?  I read about it. Grandfather brings me books when he can. answered Arturo with pride in his voice.

Interesting. What else do you like to read, Arturo?  I like to read about science. I like to learn how things work. replied Arturo. Are you planning to be a scientist? asked the Woman. Arturo looked her straight in the eye. I’m going to be a chemist.  I believe you will. The woman tells him before turning to my uncle.  Candido, do you have those scores? Candido produce the forms and hands them over to the woman.

Sara, you’ll be interested to know that Arturo took part in the young scientist program over at the university. He was tested and drilled in physical science, biology and chemistry. Should I read to you what the chairperson on the Chemistry Department had to say about Arturo?

Mrs. Lopez didn’t answer. Even if she did, I’m sure the woman was going to ignore her. I think it is beyond cruel that I have to wait eight years to have this young man in my classroom. Never in my twenty three years of teaching, have I encounter a student like Arturo. His approach to learning is nothing that I have ever saw or mastered. It was an honor to teach that young man and to make sure that I get the chance again, it is my pleasure to offer him a full scholarship.

Arturo’s mouth dropped open. Full scholarship?  The woman smiles brightly at him. Yes, I have to agree with Professor Ivan. There are not too many gifted students like you, Arturo and when we come into contact with one, it is our duty to nourish and cultivated a gift such as yourself. The woman turns to Mrs. Lopez. Clear out your desk. Your services are no longer need.

I was dumbfounded. Who was this woman that she could fire Mrs. Lopez just like that? You don’t have the right to fire her. All three adults swirled their heads towards me. I just did. The woman announces coldly. Based on assumptions. Where is the proof? Mrs. Lopez has the right to defend herself in front of the school board. The last time I check, the school board consists of several members not just yourself.

What is going on with Candido? I swear that man looks like he’s going to have a heart attack. The bigger question is why am I defending the woman who make school miserable for me since I got here? The woman laughs. Candido, I do believe you better take this boy under your tutelage. Young man, do you know who I am?  No. Should I?  She chuckles. I like you, kid. My name is Febronia.

Febronia turns to Mrs. Lopez. You have an excellent defense lawyer there. The board will convene this Thursday. Make sure you are there and Mrs. Lopez, if I were you, I will let that young man plead your case.

I never got the chance to use my oratorical skills. Mrs. Lopez quit the next day. I did however get the chance to use my physical skills to defend my fellow classmate from a trio of bullies. After all, three against one was not a fair fight. Neither was three against two. But three against three is a different story. By the end of the fight, Frolian and myself were wearing matching black eyes. Arturo suffered a couple of bruises to the face.  We lost the fight but I ended up gaining two new best friends that day.

Soon afterwards, the three of us were inseparable. Mr. Davide who replaced Mrs. Lopez often had to separate us in class. Our favorite place to hang out was Fa’s house. Her door was always open and there was always food on the table. Whether it was bocadillos or fruit. Fa always made sure that we were fed. She did have one rule. Our homework had to be done first before we could play. Sometimes, Frolian’s fraternal twin sister Elena would join us as well as Arturo’s little cousin Vanessa.  Another frequent visitor to Fa’s house was Febronia.

Mama’s smiling again. I think it might have something to do with Candido’s friend. He’s alright but he is not Papa. As long as he makes Mama happy, I’m ok with them dating. It’s not like, Mama is going to get married again.

Febronia and Fa were in the kitchen, talking.  I only came inside to use the bathroom.  On my way back, I noticed her picture lying on the table.  Picking the picture up, I was overwhelmed by a sudden urge to protect the red curly hair girl. That’s my great niece. said Febronia surprising me. Who is her name? I asked, holding on to the photograph. Febronia. She’s pretty, isn’t she? Swallowing hard, I nodded.

CHAPTER TWO

Looks like the whole town is here. Not that I’m surprise. Tino, don’t you look adorable in your suit. Not sure which of the Sanchez sisters say that. I just want out of this monkey outfit but someone had to walked Mama down the aisle. And Mama wanted me to do the honors.

Febronia seem surprised to see me. Tino. What brings you here?  I hand her Thor. Send this to her. The other day, I overheard Febronia and Fa talking about my red hair princess. She wasn’t sleeping. Her parents were besides themselves, trying to figure out why Moura was sleeping. Yes, I have named her Moura and no one else is allow to call her Moura. His name is Thor. He defenses kids against bogeyman and other creatures in the night. Tell her that his blue eye allows him to see danger when there is no light in the room.  Febronia’s lips curved up. Anything else about Thor that my niece should know.  He likes hugs.

I have a brand new baby sister. She looks a lot like Mama. Especially her eyes but she has her papa’s nose.  She also stinks up the room quicker than Ramon and Rodrigo. Phew. I said out loud as I change Manuela’s diaper. Manuela just laughs and giggles which in turns makes me want to laugh and giggled with her.

Looking up at the kitchen clock, I wonder how she fare at the tryouts. Moura was trying out for her school’s track team. Febronia has been catching me up on Moura’s after school activities. I’m hoping that one of these days, Moura and her family come to Ardura for a visit.  The test paper in my hand brought me back to reality. Which university I was going to attend, depend on how well I did on this test.

Hold still, you three rascals. said Fa snapping another picture of Arturo, Frolian and myself.  Fa, don’t you think you have enough pictures? teased Candido. Not when it come to my boys. remarked Fa, smiling. She wasn’t the only one.  They were all smiling. Celebrating Arturo’s Frolian’s and my graduation from high school.  It should be no surprise that the three of us were accepted into the university. Arturo is still planning to major in chemistry. Lately, I haven’t been spending time with Arturo and Frolian as I would like to. Arturo is always with his grandfather and his grandfather’s brother at Listo’s. Frolian has taken upon himself to sell churros at the Plaza on Sunday mornings. As for me, I’m keeping in shape with all of that the running around I’ve been doing for Candido.

I hung up the phone. There are no words to describe what I was feeling right now.  Wait, there is one. Sanger. Alright, it’s a combination of anger and sadness but you can’t blame me. Moura is going to her high school prom and it isn’t with me. She’s going with a friend. Some guy name Patrick. Febronia tells me not to think too much about it. They’re only friends. Somehow, that didn’t bring me any comfort.

This is the sixth time today that I’m running into Gina. First, it was at the dorms and now at the library. I should be nice to my fellow Ardurian and give her a tour of the campus but I don’t have the time. My thesis is due in two days. I’m doing my best to tie up loose ends before meeting up with Arturo and Frolian for dinner. It has been a while since I saw them even though we live in the same dorm. Frolian has been working part time at the bakery. When he was working, he was down at the swimming pool with the rest of his teammates.  I’m certain that Arturo is going to be the valedictorian of our class. Between working at the diner that his grandfather and Vanessa’s grandfather owned and his heavy class schedule, I did not think that Arturo had time to date. But he does. Although I’m surprise that he’s going out with someone as shallow as Yasmine.

We’re here again. Graduation day.  A happy occasion as well as a bittersweet moment. After today, Frolian, Arturo and I are going our separate ways. Frolian is attending pastry school in Paris. Our class valedictorian, Arturo is going to London where he won a full scholarship at Le Cordon Bleu. Being a chemist is no longer in the cards for Arturo. Cooking is his new passion. As for me, I’m heading to Madrid. Candido was ecstatic when I decide to attend his alma mater for law.

Whoever said law school was easy was lying through their teeth. There was no hand holding here. Either you swam or sunk. There was no in-between.  Still, I thought about her. My Moura.  She’s currently studying education at the same university her cousins are attending and Patrick is still in the freaking picture. I slammed my book down on the desk hard. Waking up the guy in the next cubicle. Apologizing, I gather my books together and head out.  Perhaps,