Date: Tue, 1 Sep 2009 12:19:21 -0700 (PDT)
From: firehose Joe <firehosejoe@yahoo.com>
Subject: To Thine Own Self Be True 49

This above all: to thine own self be true,
And it must follow, as the night the day,
Thou canst not then be false to any man.
Shakespeare (Hamlet)

Thanks to Chael for assistance in editing and proofing the story. This
is wholly fictional with no reference intended to persons alive or dead.

Please do not distribute to other sites without permission of the
author. Comments can be sent to firehosejoe@yahoo.com

From the previous chapter:

After everyone was gone, the guys collapsed and toasted the event with some
of the remaining wine. They all had agreed earlier that a staff would come
in to wash dishes and restore the condo. Matt and Paul headed to the guest
room. Alejandro smiled as he stood in his bedroom door and watched them
walk down the hall, arms around each other's waist. There was much to be
thankful for.

Chapter 49

Every year it seemed like Thanksgiving was the starting gun in the mad dash
toward Christmas. For all the work it had been, the Thanksgiving party had
been the best. Having Matt and Paul help entertain their friends with all
the mess and chaos was what made it special for Alejandro. He knew it would
not become habit -- just too much damned work to do often; still it made
some great memories.

It was toward the end of the week when Alejandro got a call from John
Abernathy.

"Hey Alex, how's it hangin', Buddy. Bet it's coldern' a witch's tit up
there now. Wish you were here. It's in the mid 80's. We coulda' gone skinny
dippin' and had a good ole time."

Alejandro smiled listening to the Texas good-old-boy drawl roll like water
off John's tongue.

"Great to hear from you, John. You coming to see me like you promised?"
Alejandro asked knowing that John was just as busy as he was in December.

" `Bout that visit. Sorry, Buddy, no can do. Wife's got me busier than a
one-armed paper hanger, or whatever the hell the saying is. You can't get
down this way, can you? Love to see you and fool around."

"John, same thing here. Stuff going on nearly every night. I understand
about you being tied up. Sure wish I could get away. Might just decide to
throw you in bed and go drillin' for oil," Alejandro said with a bad Texas
accent.

"Whoooeee, ride `em cowboy! You got the bit and auger to do a job on me,
that's for sure. So when we going to get together, Bud?"

"It'll have to be after first of the year," Alejandro said.

They talked a few more minutes before hanging up. Alejandro sat smiling,
thinking of the fun he and John had had on his ranch, or little spread, as
he called it. It would be fun to see him again. He penciled in a note for
January to make plans for a visit.

The season was soon in full swing. Alejandro shook his head with a rueful
smile thinking about how uncomfortable he'd been the Christmas after his
Father had died. It was all on him, representing the family at the round of
social events. He'd weathered that season and now he actually enjoyed most
of the things he was obliged to attend.

A call to Charles was all it took to lock down a few days of R and R in New
York.

"Not before Christmas, please!" Charles had exclaimed when Alejandro
mentioned a visit. They both laughed, each knowing the other's hectic
schedules. It was to be Charles' first New Year in the city and he tried to
get Alejandro to stay over but Alejandro knew Charles likely needed to do
this one with his new friends. Another year perhaps.

Matt and Paul were going to their respective homes for Christmas day. It
was under duress for both of them but as Matt said, "You build a bridge a
plank at a time." Alejandro and the Duo were all going to spend the day
after Christmas together and go riding if the weather cooperated.

Midnight Mass at the Cathedral was crowded, not only with throngs of people
but with memories for Alejandro. He sat and let it all wash over him as he
sang full-voiced the carols of Christmas. As he walked to the rail for the
Sacrament he felt tears spring from his eyes. Joy or sorrow, he didn't
know, though he was sure, in that moment, he wasn't alone.

The next week rushed by. He woke up New Year's morning and remembered this
time last year. Again he took a cup of coffee to the deck to greet the
day. As he sipped and shivered he recalled the past year. '72 had been full
of changes. Hopefully things would be a bit smoother this year.

He remembered his penciled note to consider a visit with John. As he
watched the weather, that idea was quickly erased. It was a mild winter for
the northern third of the country. The south central plains, on the other
hand, were being hammered with unseasonable cold. `No thanks,' Alejandro
thought.

The mild weather allowed several of the buildings to move to completion
faster than scheduled. The apprenticeship program had opened with fits and
starts but finally had its legs under it. The first cohort of students had
a 90% attendance rate -- outstanding for that part of Chicago. The
partnership was getting favorable press on numerous fronts.

When Alejandro was called for a quote or an appearance he deferred to the
other partners. He was gratified that no one seemed to need to grandstand
and grab limelight. Usually most of the calls were deferred to Paul or Matt
since they were more fluent in conversing about the entire program.

Matt was savvy enough to make sure that each member's constituency remained
well informed. It was Paul's idea to have a grand opening for the
apprenticeship building. It took a while to get everything spit and
polished with displays. He insisted that it be the students who gave the
demonstrations. They were quickly becoming competent in their various
technical areas and eager to show off.

Everyone pulled in all their chits and the turnout was great. The Governor
and Mayor joined in cutting the ribbon. The Aldermen for nearly every
district were present. Cardinal Cody from the Archdiocese of Chicago lent
his presence along with leaders from the various community groups from the
South Side of Chicago. To everyone's amazement, except Alejandro's, it made
national news.

As the year progressed they continued to earn accolades and recognition. It
was refreshing to have something positive to report on in the backwash of
Watergate.

Behind the scenes, Alejandro did his best to work the system to keep the
project front and center with every new opening or celebratory event. There
were many. It didn't hurt that there was a press tent for each event, out
of the cold with plenty of good food. Those in the partnership who were
conversant with the appropriate fodder needed for news copy kept fresh
material at the ready.

It was a heady six months. Several buildings in the project opened and the
apprenticeship program grew to maximum capacity.

Largely due to his involvement with the rehabilitation program, Alejandro
was hard-pressed to keep current on his obligations to boards and
committees. There were many times when he flew in and back out the next day
with apologies to friends who wanted him to stay longer and visit. He did
manage an early spring visit to the Yucatan to share a weekend with Cesar
at the Casa del Placer. Cesar had insisted. He and Alejandro had kept in
touch with each other by phone and Cesar subscribed to the Tribune in order
to stay abreast of Alejandro's local projects.

Cesar enforced times of rest and recreation. They talked occasionally of a
casa for Alejandro as he warmed to the idea more and more. Unhurried
dinners were followed by long, slow walks on the torch-lit beach. Their
time shared in bed was deliberate. Cesar was determined to give Alejandro
maximum pleasure and release. When Alejandro left it was with a fond
farewell and a promise to return.

As the warm days of spring turned to summer and the canyons of Chicago
began to heat up, Matt's work moved forward at warp speed, a term made
popular by the recent television hit Star Trek. All the hardscape
preparation of borders and greenhouses were attacked by a legion of
oldsters and youngsters. Matt had been recruiting and training most of the
winter, just in time before the first building had opened.

He'd worked with community groups and churches and had a waiting list for
every square yard of tillable dirt. With the first hint of consistent sun,
despite the cold, the greenhouses were planted with cold weather crops. By
late spring, folks were harvesting, eating and selling produce. This
jump-start helped put down deep foundations for the nutrition leg of the
project.

The press loved it. There were color Sunday features, regular reports in
the dailies and the TV news even asked for a segment to be aired on both
the Chicago network and a nationally broadcast morning show.

As they say, success breeds success. Volunteers increased, donations to the
various sponsoring organizations were made and earmarked.  When the
partners were petitioned by a group to establish a daycare program it was
met with cautious optimism.

By fall a plan was in place. Space on the first floor in one of the
recently opened buildings was carved out for the program. It was a model
and many other groups copied it. It was a piece of good news that people
grasped for in contrast to the crisis in transfer of leadership as
President Nixon resigned and his Vice President, Gerald Ford, took his
place.

As cold weather tightened its grip on the city Alejandro was in the middle
of his fall series of meetings. He'd managed to steal a weekend
mid-November to visit Texas and renew his acquaintance with John, Stan and
Tony.

He and John spent two lazy days in Somerville. They'd met up with a couple
of John's friends and Alejandro had his first experience water skiing. Time
by the pool was easy and relaxing as was their time in bed. Both mornings
they'd gotten up before dawn and been saddled for an early morning ride. It
was bliss for Alejandro.

The weekend with Tony and Stan was fun but high energy. Alejandro was glad
he'd gotten some rest. They reprised their visit to the wrestling
club. Stan and Alejandro were amused watching Tony get engrossed in several
of the matches. His boner was obvious and he took the teasing with good
nature as he promised Stan that he'd be the beneficiary of all the pent up
horniness.

They did some sightseeing, dined at one of the upscale restaurants and
afterward went clubbing. The guys had made Alejandro loosen up and lose the
Chicago look. With jeans, a flannel shirt and some boots, he fit right in
`til he opened his mouth. Even with the accent, or lack thereof, he was hit
on by more than a few Texas cowboys.

He was still smiling at some of the antics and memories of his few days in
Texas as he landed back at O'Hare. Alejandro went home and showered. Things
had been happening so fast that he thought he'd better check in with Paul
and Matt to see if anything had happened that he needed to know about
before going to the office.

"Nothing major really except that the White House has been calling," was
the answer an excited Paul gave him.

"What!" Alejandro was speechless for a moment.

"Yeah, seems like the new administration has seen what we're doing as a
potential model for other urban centers. The invite came through the
Governor to the Mayor's office.

"The bastards!" Paul had finally encountered the underbelly of politics in
Chicago and was a little disillusioned to say the least. "The Mayor was
ready to send a delegation to Washington the next day.

"You're gonna love this. Love it! Daniel Beeker, Assistant Secretary for
HUD, thanked them but said he and the President wanted to sit down and talk
with the people who got the process started and those keeping it
running. How ya' like that?!"

Alejandro immediately wondered how this was flying with the
partners. They'd all had their share of the spotlight but this was
different.

"Alex, you there?" Paul asked into the silent receiver.

"Yeah, Paul. Sorry. That's a lot to take in." A gnawing worry started in
his gut.

As if reading Alejandro's mind, Paul said, "Relax
`Mr. Man-Behind-the-Scenes'. The partners have met, had to, with the
pressure from the Mayor's office for a response. To a person, everyone has
said you need to go and be the spokesperson for all of us. Now before you
say anything, think about it. You've got no specific vested group interest,
you are the guy who brought the idea back from San Francisco, and you look
good on TV."

"Yeah, okay." Alejandro's response was hesitant and thoughtful. "As much as
I don't like it, it makes sense and I'll do it on one condition."

"What's that?" Paul asked.

"Go get Matt, or better yet can we get together to talk about this. Talk
about being blindsided!"

"We're both muddy and nasty at the moment. Greenhouse work you know. Hold
on I'll call him." Paul put the phone down and Alejandro could hear the
door close and a muffled `Matt, commere!'

Paul returned to the phone. "He's on the way. When did you want to get
together? Oh, here's Matt." With that Paul muffled the receiver and quickly
filled Matt in on the conversation. Alejandro heard Matt's muffled, "Well
I'm not going anywhere tonight."

"What did you have in mind Alex?" Paul asked diplomatically.

Alejandro was grinning, imagining Matt, dirt up to his elbows, boots caked
with mud, sweat running down his bare chest.

"It can wait. I'd like to talk to both of you before I respond to the
committee, Mayor or even the White House."

"Hold on." Paul covered the receiver again, against the possibility of
another outburst from Matt.

"We can't come into town tonight. Can you come out here?"

"Glad to, I'll be there in an hour and a half." Alejandro said before Matt
could respond. Hearing nothing more from Matt, Alejandro continued, "This
isn't something I want to do alone. We three need to talk. You want me to
pick up some dinner on the way?"

Muffled conversation followed, "Naw, we've got leftovers here we were
planning to eat. There's plenty. See you soon. Bye."

Alejandro laughed softly to himself imagining Matt's comments, momentary
frustration and strong desire just to clean up, eat and take his lover to
bed for an early evening.

Both guys heard him drive up and met him at the door. Matt smiled
sheepishly, "I know you had to hear some of that. Sorry. You know you're
always welcome."

"Don't worry. Feed me, I'll talk fast and get out of here. I imagine you've
both had a hard day and want to get to bed." Alejandro said with his most
innocent smile.

Over dinner Alejandro explained why they had to go with him to
Washington. Among the three of them they had the inception of the idea, the
nutrition piece, the actual architectural requirements and the
apprenticeship piece nailed down.

"All I can do is tell how it started. That's really nothing. It's not what
they want to hear. Of course they'll want to know how it got put together -
how the political coalition was built. I'll cover that. You guys will have
to do the rest. As far as I'm concerned, if you don't go," he said looking
at both of them, "let the Mayor go. I don't need this kind of trouble right
now."

Almost simultaneously they said, "Us?" "Seriously?"

"Yes to both questions. Tell me now so I'll know how to plan my week,"
Alejandro said bluntly.

Their conversation was brief and nonverbal. A questioning look, answered by
a shrug and a nod.

"Okay, who do I call within the partnership to get their take on all of
this? Who responds to the White House? What else can you tell me?"
Alejandro was all business now and wanted to get this handled.

Before he left, they had sketched out who would speak to which topics. He
knew who was heading up the partners' decision and how to deal with the
Mayor's office. Protocol, protocol...he reminded himself to be patient and
to talk to his lawyer in the morning before he did anything.

By week's end, Alejandro was on a first name basis with Dr. Beeker's
secretary. She convinced him that this was from the top and the President
wanted a White House meeting in his office which was to be followed by a
working luncheon with HUD officials and select members of Congress. A
mid-December date was set.

As they flew to D.C. Alejandro teased the Dynamic Duo about how well they
cleaned up. Matt just gave him his typical wry smile. Paul pretended to be
put out with the backhanded compliment. He soon warmed up and all three of
them laughed and joked about the next day. Alejandro knew it was serious
but more than anything it was good PR for the project but also for the
White House. There had been a full frontal assault to change the topic away
from the political mess during fall and he knew they were just a small
part.

They were booked into rooms at the Hay Adams, compliments of the HUD
Secretary. They all oohed and ahhed at their accommodations.

Their meetings and luncheon went flawlessly. As Alejandro had expected it
was as much for public consumption as substance. He kept his peace and
smiled nicely for the cameras. Matt and Paul were on cloud nine as they
flew home that evening. There was a press conference, a meeting with the
Mayor and of course the partners.

More good press; it never hurts.

The rest of December was a race to the finish. Alejandro was almost glad to
see it go.

After Midnight Mass he stayed in bed Christmas morning. It was his gift to
himself. He breakfasted in his boxers and T, didn't shave until noon and
generally relaxed until he couldn't take it anymore. He was amused at his
deep-seated habits as he pulled on his clothes after his shower and
shave. He ate a light lunch, enjoyed a glass of wine and opened a book,
looking forward to a rare afternoon of quiet.

Later in the day, he called Cesar not really expecting to find him at home
but hoping to at least leave him a message of Feliz Navidad. The person
answering the phone took his name and said she would see if Senor Garcia
was available.

A moment later Cesar was on the phone with his own Christmas
greetings. He'd followed the stories in the Washington Post and Tribune and
heartily congratulated Alejandro, making him promise to convey
congratulations to his compadres.

They discussed their holidays and the brief respite from work. When Cesar
discovered that Alejandro was free that week he convinced him to come to
the hacienda and enjoy the hospitality and warmth of Mexico.

Alejandro demurred but Cesar brushed away all his excuses. Finally he
consented with growing pleasure at the thought of spending time with his
good friend, enjoying the warmth of the sun and the slower pace of the
Yucatan.

"The sooner the better," Cesar insisted. "I know how it will be with you on
New Year's Day. You will begin to worry about work and will leave. Promise
me you will pack and make your arrangements today and fly out first thing
tomorrow."

Alejandro promised to call later and let Cesar know how soon he could leave
saying that arranging for his plane on less than a day's notice,
particularly on Christmas Day, might be a challenge.

"I know better, my friend. You have the phone numbers and the way you pay
your people they will not mind making arrangements for you at a moment's
notice, Christmas or no," Cesar said laughing. "I expect a call this
evening. I will not be here but be assured there will be someone to take a
message."

Alejandro was already looking forward to the unexpected trip and the
pleasure it promised. As Cesar had predicted, his phone calls were welcomed
and promises made that all would be ready by 7 a.m.

By 4 p.m. the next day, Alejandro was being driven to Cesar's
hacienda. Guillermo Sanchez had volunteered explaining that Cesar would
have preferred to meet his friend but he was taking care of all business
today so their week would not be interrupted.

As they were driving, Guillermo pointed out things of note in the villages
they passed.

"Guillermo, tell me more about the Mayan influence in the area, please."

Guillermo turned to Alejandro who had politely declined the rear seat and
sat beside Guillermo.

"Senor Algara, there is a chance we will be traveling together this
week. Nearly everyone who knows me calls me Sanchez. I would be more
comfortable with that if you don't mind." It was said with a smile and a
nod to underscore the request.

"As we say in the United States, I'll make a deal with you," Alejandro said
as Sanchez grinned widely.

"So what is this deal?" The smile increased. "Yes I am familiar with this
saying."

"If I am to call you Sanchez, you must call me by my familiar name,
Alejandro. Agreed?"

"Si, Alejandro. I hope we will become friends in that you are the friend of
my good friend, Cesar. He will discuss some ideas he has for the week and
perhaps we will get to know each other better."

Conversation was easy between the two men for the remainder of the trip. It
was obvious to both that Cesar had shared bits of information with each of
them about the other. When Sanchez mentioned his time in the military,
Alejandro pursued the topic, very interested in the life of one who worked
in Special Forces. He knew Sanchez would open up in his own time, if ever,
but at least the interest had been expressed.

Sanchez spoke of his various duties in general. Of his postings he was more
specific -- Alejandro realized geography was a safer topic and broadened
the base of conversation. Betting on a hunch, Alejandro told Sanchez about
Matt and the Sambo type of combat.

"Having never served in the military, I don't know what kind of
hand-to-hand combat training is given. What does the branch of service you
were in train with?"

Sanchez looked straight ahead as he drove. Alejandro was uneasy he'd pushed
too hard. Sanchez after a few seconds gave him a quick look.

"It is no secret that I was in the GAFE," he paused to see Alejandro's
reaction. Alejandro knew what he meant but kept his face impassive. Sanchez
continued, "It is an Air Mobile branch of the Mexican Army. There are
numerous specialties within the larger group. Each receives general
training along with additional training that best fits their likely
deployment.

"My training in combat was general - grappling, knife defense and killing
techniques," again he shot a look toward Alejandro. "We learned subversive
tactics to penetrate an enemy's position and to render them, shall we say,
ineffective, with a variety of methods.

"Tell about this, Sambo. Did I say it correctly?" He had said it perfectly
and Alejandro knew it was a shift to another topic, away from Sanchez'
training.

Alejandro explained it as best he could, never having participated nor seen
it practiced. His answer seemed to satisfy Sanchez.

"Alejandro, you asked earlier about the Mayan influence in this area. More
accurately the question should be asked, 'What is the Spanish influence on
the Mayan culture?' Spaniards have been here not quite five hundred
years. We Mayans predate them by more than a thousand years as a unified
people. As subcultures we predate them by millennia."

Sanchez's response in another circumstance might have offered
offense. Alejandro realized he was simply setting the record straight.

"How then should I phrase my question?" Alejandro asked as he noted
Sanchez's quiet demeanor.

Sanchez looked over with a neutral expression, "Alejandro I meant no
offense. I trust none was taken."

"No, it was a good answer. I hope it will lead to much discussion of the
Mayan presence and history on the peninsula."

Sanchez began a narrative that was sweeping in its breadth and indicated an
intimate knowledge of both history and culture. He ticked off the major
historical and cultural benchmarks. He framed his comments in ways that
allowed the listener to focus on periods not epochs. To Alejandro, the
information was fascinating.

At Cesar's casa, Sanchez refused to let Alejandro carry his bags as they
entered to find Cesar. Alejandro wondered where they'd find the balance
between them. He knew he'd not be comfortable with Sanchez in a subservient
roll.

Cesar solved part of the dilemma when he entered the room. He embraced
Alejandro with a big hug and welcome then turned to Sanchez with a look of
years of affection.

"Thank you, my friend. It was a great help and I accomplished much."
Sanchez nodded at Cesar's thanks, said, "Good night" and left.

Cesar watched the door for a moment, turned and said, "A person is most
fortunate to have one such friend in a lifetime."

Alejandro knew they would be equals in the time they shared in the week
ahead. He looked forward to getting to know Sanchez much better if the man
allowed.

Cesar roused Alejandro before dawn so he could be ready for a big breakfast
and steamed café con dulce. Sanchez joined them on the lanai with a
cheerful fire blazing in the chimenia to ward off the chill of the winter
morning. Between mouthfuls of egg, sausage and sweet bread, Sanchez told
Alejandro the things they would see at Chichen Itza.

He told of El Castillo del Serpiente Emplumado, or Castle of the Plumed
Serpent. It was one of the chief pyramids dedicated to a popular deity of
the Mesoamericans and named Kukulkan.  Sanchez' voice took on a more somber
tone as he described the large ball court. He explained the game pok ta pok
and shared the element of human sacrifice that accompanied it. The sacred
number seven's use throughout the stone playing field was eerie to
Alejandro.  Sanchez looked at him with that expression that said `you'll
see'.

Alejandro's fascination grew along with his excitement. Cesar was pleased
as he watched the exchange. It was familiar territory to him but he loved
sharing it.

At day's end, Alejandro was physically exhausted from the climb to the top
of El Castillo and tromping all over the site. Sanchez was a font of
information and his eyes glowed with pride in the telling.

For the remainder of the visit Sanchez was with them almost all the
time. He chose to drive, though Cesar offered several times. They drove to
the coast to the new tourist destination, Cancun. Cesar had sold land for
some of the development. Alejandro guessed that it had to have been a
princely profit from the explosive growth they saw.

They drove along the northern costal road enjoying the spectacular
views. Cesar mentioned that he had shared with Sanchez his encouragement
for Alejandro to build a small casa on one of these beautiful
sites. Several times Sanchez would stop the car and they would explore an
area, always suggesting that something closer to them would be more
beautiful still.

The next morning Cesar roused Alejandro long before dawn. Sitting in a
chair next to Alejandro's bed Cesar said they would have a surprise for
breakfast so to enjoy his café now.

It was still dark when they began their trip. Alejandro could tell they
were heading north and west, toward the coast. They had traveled this road
several times.

After nearly three quarters of an hour of driving on the one-lane gravel
road Alejandro could see the shading of deep blue of approaching
dawn. Cesar turned onto the coastal road and traveled a few more minutes
until they turned off. Alejandro thought he saw a horse trailer.

As they got out of the car, Sanchez greeted them. He was all smiles,
obviously part of the surprise.

"Someone tell me what's going on, please!" asked Alejandro.

"Alejandro, these are horses. We ride them," Sanchez managed to get out
before he laughed.

Cesar answered the question, shooting a dirty look at Sanchez. "We will
ride the horses to the beach. A bonfire is ready to light to give us
warmth. Breakfast is prepared and in baskets in my car's trunk. We will
eat, enjoy watching the sunrise and give the horses some exercise. How does
that sound? I'm sorry for disturbing your sleep but Sanchez' idea seemed a
wonderful opportunity to me. I hope you will enjoy it."

Alejandro was grinning at Sanchez. "Thank you, my friend. I've never done
anything like this. This is too much," Alejandro said to both men.

"Alejandro, forgive my making a joke when you obviously were confused. And
don't thank us too much," he said with a wink at Cesar. Smiling he
continued, "We're using you as an excuse to do what we used to do as
youngsters. But I am glad you like the idea."

With no further talk except to give and take instructions, the baskets of
food and blankets were secured to the horses. The men mounted and began
down a gradual zigzag path to the pounding surf below.

There they tied their horses securely, away from the bonfire. Sanchez lit
the driftwood fire and as it blazed they spread their blankets and fare to
enjoy as the sun rose.

The preparations were as thorough as they were sumptuous. The eggs and
meats were chilled, as would be expected but a pan was provided to warm
them on coals that Sanchez pulled from the fire. They feasted and with
their café still steaming from the thermos, toasted the dawn of a new day
as the edge of the sun broke the water's surface.

They lazed by the fire as the colors of sunrise bathed the sky with its own
particular glory. As the coals began to die down the men packed up the
remains of their feast, and rolled the blankets. As Sanchez carted the
containers on horseback up to the road, Cesar and Alejandro kicked sand
over the remaining coals.

They rode the coast for several hours, stopping at times to admire a
limestone escarpment that rose abruptly from the sand. Sanchez explained
that much of the foundation of the peninsula was limestone and was riven
with freshwater fissures.

Occasionally the talk returned to Alejandro's casa as it was called, as if
it were a reality and not a supposition. The strange thing, Alejandro
thought days later, was that he joined fully into those conversations. Had
he made the decision and not realized it?

The sun was high when they finally returned to the cold remains of their
predawn fire. The horses easily climbed the path to the vehicles. Soon both
men and animals were making their way back to the casa. Alejandro realized,
as they drove, they'd never left Cesar's hacienda.

When they arrived at the casa, Sanchez called to one of the men nearby and
told him to take the trailer and care for the horses. Alejandro was
impressed with the care he instructed the man to give them.

The three of them collapsed on the lanai. Cesar instructed the young lady
who appeared without being called to bring them cerveza. They quietly
relished the first quenching swallow of the cold beer. Talk turned to the
New Year's Celebration. Alejandro noticed Cesar give Sanchez a stern look
that he didn't see.

Finally Cesar said, chagrin on his face, "Alejandro, I fear I have done you
an injustice. It was selfish of me and I beg your forbearance. I host a
celebration here for many of my friends each New Year. I was afraid if I
told you, you would think you were intruding and would not come and
visit. Forgive me if you are embarrassed or if I have made you
uncomfortable." Cesar was almost begging.

The last reaction he expected was Alejandro's spontaneous
laughter. Alejandro quieted Cesar's fears and told him of his first visit
to San Antonio and Stan's discomfort. Alejandro quickly assured Cesar that
he would truly enjoy meeting his friends.

The relief on Cesar's face was remarkable. He first looked at Alejandro
with doubt, thinking that his response was polite. When he saw Alejandro
was serious, Cesar began to describe the people he'd be meeting. Sanchez
was obviously familiar with these people as he began to make humorous
asides to the more formal explanations Cesar was giving.

As preparations began to ramp up for the party and influx of overnight
guests Alejandro and Sanchez pitched in and soon all were taking
instructions from the head housekeeper as to what went where.

In a quiet moment, Sanchez said, "The place we were this morning. It is the
best for your casa. Since Cesar and I began to speak of it I've been
casually looking at many places on the nearby coast. It is geologically
stable and it is close to a village, my village. Of course it is close
enough to the casa to easily visit for a cerveza or a meal.

"This will sound odd, I imagine. I am Cesar's only close friend within many
hundred miles. It would please him greatly for you to accept his offer and
invitation. I have seen that what he said of you is true. I, too, would
welcome you and know you as a friend. Please consider the offer as most
genuine." Alejandro assured Sanchez he would. As he watched the man walk
away Alejandro realized how much like brothers Sanchez and Cesar were.

The next three days were controlled chaos. Nearly two dozen people were
ferried from the nearby airport to the casa. As was custom, the house staff
had vacated their rooms and all was ready for the guests. Soon after the
first guests arrived, Alejandro was swept along by the camaraderie and
warmth of Cesar's close friends.

To a person, they seemed know of parts of Alejandro's story and his work
with the poor in Chicago, as they referred to it. He was lionized, to his
embarrassment, by some who made their home in the capital, Mexico City.

The group was a congenial mix of men; journalists, lawyers, governmental
higher-ups and two priests. They all were either gay or gay-friendly, as
the current term described people. Alejandro couldn't tell which was which;
nor did he spend much time trying.

By the luncheon on New Year's Day he'd talked to each one at length and
found them engaging, sometimes challenging but always welcoming to the
outsider. His views had been enlarged and at times painfully stretched as
he was exposed to views that exploded his parochial Chicago mentality. He
found his passion and empathy growing for the downtrodden and those living
on the thinnest of margins of survival.

He joined Cesar and Sanchez in providing transport for the varied guests as
their departure time approached. He could tell that this event was
important to all for a variety of reasons. Their inclusion was valued and
they held Cesar in highest esteem.

As Alejandro looked back on the event, he realized it was during that time
with those men he made his conscious decision to build a casa in the
Yucatan.

Both Cesar and Sanchez traveled with him to the airport. Sanchez was
particularly interested in the avionics of a new plane. The pilots were
glad to have someone knowledgeable who appreciated all their toys.

"You are safe. This plane and those men are more than competent." He
embraced Alejandro as naturally as a brother, as did Cesar. Once again,
Alejandro was reminded of the sense of fraternity. It was a gift he would
not take lightly.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The peculiar food and drink of writers is the comment from the reader.
Please feel free to drop me a note at firehosejoe@yahoo.com