Chapter 1: I’ll wait for you
The room was pitch black, wind rustling the leaves outside, it was far too early for Francisca to be waking up, but as she heard the rooster crow she knew it was time. She had made a note to wake up early to start breakfast before they had to leave. Groaning, she stood up, lit a candle and started getting dressed, carefully she gathered her long wavy brown hair into a low bun, a habit she had picked up ever since she got married. Before stepping out of the room she glanced back at her husband who laid peacefully asleep.
Smiling fondly at the sight of her husband she walked towards Dolores' room, a girl her husband had hired to help her around the house ever since they first moved. He knew just how much she loathed house work and brought her in months after they got married.
"Dolores?" She knocked on the door firmly but faint enough to not wake her husband.
"I'm awake m'aam, I'm coming" the girl replied, Francisca nodded and went down the stairs, careful not to trip as she made her way into the kitchen. As soon as she left her candle on the table hurried footsteps approached her.
Gasping for air Dolores looked at her, she had her white apron and that nice light blue dress that combined with it. The girl composed herself and fixed her brown hair before smiling "Shall I start breakfast for Mr. Damastes?"
Francisca nodded while she went to gather eggs from the chickens she had taken care of since she was little, a wedding present from her father. She didn't take long when she got back into the kitchen, the smell of fresh coffee and spices filling her lungs. Dolores was busy making coffee, heating up tortillas and the chicken they had eaten days before, she left her basket filled with eggs and started kneading dough for more tortillas.
Working together they both finished as fast as they could, just in time as footsteps went down the stairs, Augusto approached his wife smiling "Good morning my love" he kissed her before looking at Dolores and greeting her too.
She bowed down and returned the greeting. "Morning Mr.Damastes, breakfast's ready"
The man hugged his wife and locked eyes with her "Did you remember I have to leave early today?" Francisca nodded, caressing his face. "Last night you told me you have a very important contract and you were leaving at noon"
Augusto kissed her hand as they both walked towards the dining room, Francisca couldn't help but worry about the trip her husband had to make in a couple of hours and even more not knowing when she would see him again.
"Could you remind me why you have to go, why can't you send your assistant?"
Augusto didn't hesitate to answer "Ever since my father left me the office only I can sign contracts, I can't send anyone in my stead"
Francisca puffed and rolled her eyes "You've never been away for that long, the one way trip alone will take you 5 days"
The man chuckled and opened his bag where he had all his papers. "Have you been looking at my tickets?"
The woman avoided his gaze, irritated but more than anything worried and filled with uncertainty, something inside her warned her about this trip. Augusto stood from his seat and kneeled before her, taking her hand. "Francisca, I promise I'll sign this contract as fast as I can, don't worry"
Francisca looked at him, her eyes teary "Okay my darling, I'll wait for you patiently until you return to me".
