Both Sides of the Border, page 23
“Perfect,” he said.
Eva’s first week at the university came to a close. She alternated meetings and lesson planning throughout each day. A few students dropped by to introduce themselves to her. She met many new faculty members. Her last meeting on Friday to assign the sections of the grant proposal for the retreat was brief. Eva was looking forward to collaborating with her colleagues on the grant. The retreat on the island would be a wonderful opportunity to work closer with the faculty members in her department. The meeting would be interesting, but she was more excited about her dinner plans on the island Saturday night.
Friday afternoon, Eva walked to the parking lot of the university at a fast pace. She heard someone walking behind her. She turned and saw Maria trying to catch up with her.
“Eva, do you want me to pick you up to go to the island tomorrow?” Maria yelled almost out of breath.
“Thank you, but I’ll be staying late on the island.”
“Okay. You know how to get there?”
“Yes. And I’ll let my GPS find the hotel.”
“Great. See you at ten a.m.”
Eva spent her evening trying on various outfits for the next day. She needed something that would be casual for the retreat and dressy enough for an after-five dinner date. She tried the same outfits on at least three times. Nothing seemed to be working. She was about to give up. Then she had an idea to put the blouse with the Mexican flowers on with a pair of white capris, rather than the skirt. She tried it on.
“Yes!” she said. “This will work.”
Saturday morning, she awoke an hour too early. She turned on her coffee maker to make her favorite coffee. Mexican coffee was the only kind she drank now and always with a sprinkle of cinnamon. She sat down for a moment and thought about her day. What a wonderful day it would be.
Eva typically turned on the news to see if there was anything she needed to hear about local events. But today, she was too excited to turn it on. Her mind was speeding ahead to five o’clock when she would see Steven for an early dinner.
Eva checked the mirror once more. She fastened the bracelet Steven had given her, then picked up her briefcase. All the grant information was tucked inside. Locking the apartment door, she felt the strong sea breeze of warm, humid air. She checked her make-up one last time in her car mirror before leaving.
She set her GPS. The drive to the island was about thirty minutes. Eva had not yet ventured to the island, although everyone at work spoke about how much they liked it. She was anxious to see it.
Eva drove down Highway 48 to Port Isabel, past the Port of Brownsville, and turned right on Highway 100. She passed the small sea cottages and drove through the fishing town. Port Isabel was a small town, complete with a lighthouse and several tourist-type restaurants. It was well-known for having a replica of a pirate ship. For just a few dollars, parents and grandparents took their kids out on the pirate ship that was full of pirates who painted mustaches on kids’ faces and taught them how to say “Argggh!” and “Ahoy Matey!” She smiled as she drove past the lighthouse. Not long now, she thought.
She drove across the two-and-a-half-mile causeway bridge that linked the island to the mainland. Eva was amazed at the aquamarine-colored water. She could not believe this island was only a few miles from her new home. The waves thrashed against the boulders that reinforced the fishing piers. She glanced at the pirate ship moored at the pier. She drove over the causeway, heeding the warning signs to slow down for pelicans.
Reaching the end of the causeway, she stopped for the first signal light. The palm trees were surrounding the intersection, and a large sign posting “South Padre Island, Texas,” was decorated with large, colorful umbrellas.
“Guess this is it,” she said to herself.
Following the GPS directions, she found the Isla Grand Hotel and parked her car. She was greeted by large blue and yellow McCaw parrots with bright yellow breasts saying “Hello” and “Hi, Baby” as she walked in the lobby. The lobby had almost as many tropical plants as the landscaped flower beds on the outside of the entrance.
“May I help you?” the clerk asked.
“I am looking for a meeting of people from the university.”
“Of course. Take the elevator up to the second floor. When you reach the second floor, turn left from the elevator and walk down the hall. They have the meeting room all set up for you. There’s a sign posted on the door.”
“Thank you,” Eva said.
Maria and the others arrived shortly after Eva. The coffee was set up along with Mexican pan dulce. Eva’s mind leapt to Mexico and the mornings with Steven sipping coffee and eating sweet rolls.
“Let’s get started,” Maria said as she shuffled her papers.
Maria handed each faculty member a grant booklet and extra paper. Members of the committee discussed their section of the grant proposal. The conversations gradually moved from a proposal for the local school population to the high number of immigrants entering the schools unprepared. The grant did not specifically address immigrants, but it was designed for children who were unprepared and from low socioeconomic environments. As the discussion escalated, Eva felt torn. Some of the faculty members voiced their fear of criminals and others who were coming into the United States without going through proper channels. Maria and others voiced the opinion that the immigrants coming in were fleeing their home countries for safety reasons. The discussion became heated. It seemed the group of faculty members were equally divided about their opinions.
Inside, Eva felt that she was going to burst. She wanted to add her own experiences to the conversation. She had seen some evidence of criminals when she was in Mexico, and she had seen so many kind people who lived in Mexico. She kept thinking of how nice Steven was, and yet he was concerned about the safety issues in his own home country. Eva remembered Maria’s advice earlier in the week about not voicing any opinions and especially about politics. She sat and politely nodded and listened with intense concern.
Finally, Maria said, “Let’s think of how we are addressing poverty in the grant request, regardless of the cause.”
Well done, Eva thought.
The meeting moved to the Palms Café on the beach for lunch. This was Eva’s first up-close look at the water off the beach of South Padre. The café was a small, open-air building with a pergola roof. The café was actually on the beach and was attached to a boutique hotel. Tiki torches outlined the café all around. The committee selected a long table on the edge of the restaurant so that the view of the water was visible just beyond the sand dune. Eva was mesmerized by the rhythmic rush of the waves as each one rolled in. She stared at the water as a group of brown pelicans flew past in a V-formation. They swooped by and flew down to the other end of the beach, then circled back again. The gentle breeze came through the café, and Eva smelled the salty air.
As the waitress set the food on the table, Maria asked, “What do you think of the university after your first week of work?”
“It’s exciting. The faculty members and students I met have been especially nice.”
“You’ll appreciate the students. They’re very committed to their studies. Many students are from homes where no one else went to college. Some are from homes where no one finished high school. Their families are so proud of their children going to the university.”
“This week will be challenging for me, meeting all of the new students and starting classes. I am fortunate to have only two classes a week.”
“The dean structures the schedule that way for new faculty members. She thinks it’s important to have just a couple of classes your first semester so you can have time to do research and to write. You need to get published as soon as possible. Do you have a topic yet to research?”
“Not yet. I’m exploring. I’d like to visit the local schools to see what is going on there and then select a research topic.”
“Excellent plan,” Maria said.
The committee was scheduled to work on the grant proposal at the hotel until 4:30. At 3:30, Maria interrupted their discussion. “I just had an alert on my phone. The weather station is tracking a new hurricane near the Yucatan. They have already named it León. One of the predictions is that it will head this way.”
“And what are the other predictions?” Veronica, another faculty member, asked.
“The models for the paths are all over the place,” Maria said. “Anyway, it will take several days, so we will have time to plan.”
“Oh, those always turn and go east. Very rarely do they head this way,” Veronica said. Then she turned to Eva and added, “Don’t worry.”
A hurricane so soon after I moved here? Eva thought. That can’t be.
The committee broke up a few minutes after four. Eva went to the ladies’ room to freshen up. In a matter of minutes, she would see Steven again. It had been a long week.
* * *
Eva had no trouble finding the Sea Ranch restaurant. It was close to the causeway. It was distinguishable by the large, wooden dolphin sculptures near the front door. She told the hostess she was meeting someone, and the waitress replied, “Oh, I think he’s here. Are you Eva?”
“Yes.”
“Right this way.”
Eva walked past the large saltwater tank. The colorful coral and the saltwater fish reminded her of the snorkeling trip she’d had with Steven. The large dining area had windows overlooking a sizable marina that displayed a host of striking yachts. The causeway was visible from one of the windows near the back of the room. The view was spectacular. Blue recessed lights in the ceiling gave a visual image similar to ocean water along the edges of the room. Large, wooden fish suspended from the soft blue tray ceilings appeared to be swimming near the top of the imaginary water portrayed by the blue ceiling and lights. White linen tablecloths were on every table, and lit candles finished off the perfect ambience.
Steven’s eyes brightened as Eva approached the table. He stood up and pulled the chair out for her. He gave her a quick kiss as she sat down.
“Good to see you,” he said.
“And good to see you, too.”
“Nice blouse. Where did you get that?” he said as he laughed and winked.
“Why, thank you. I found it somewhere in Mexico.” She laughed.
“And nice bracelet,” he added.
“Yes, it is. A charming fellow gave this to me.” She smiled.
The waiter handed each of them a menu and took their drink order.
“Do you come to this restaurant often?” Eva asked.
“I have been here a few times.”
“Any recommendations?”
“Their specialty is the red snapper because it’s the local fish. They have just about every type of seafood. And I know you like shrimp. They prepare that several ways, too.”
Eva examined the menu. “I will go with the red snapper, pecan encrusted, I think. And salad and baked potato sound good.”
“The blackened red snapper sounds good to me.”
The waiter returned with their drinks and took their order.
“Tell me all about your first week at the new job. How did it go?”
Eva talked through the entire meal, telling Steven every conversation and meeting in detail. He was so engrossed in her descriptions of the students and the faculty that he didn’t say a word about his own work that week. And Eva was so involved in telling him about her new job that she neglected to ask Steven about it.
“Look at that sunset,” Steven said.
“Beautiful. Looks like it’s setting just behind the causeway.”
They sat for a few moments holding hands and looking out the window. The moment was interrupted by the waiter.
“Anybody care for dessert?”
“What are your choices?” Eva asked.
Then Steven asked, “Do you have any Empanadas de Guayaba?”
“Any what?”
Eva and Steven both laughed. In an instant, they were back in Veracruz having dessert before they danced in the zocalo.
“Let me bring the dessert tray out and show you our choices.”
Steven looked Eva straight in the eye and said, “I have been thinking about the trip all week long. It was the best week I have had in many years.”
“It was wonderful,” Eva agreed.
Steven leaned back in his chair as if to change the subject quickly and asked, “How is the Spanish coming along?”
“Pretty good. I study each night after work. And I am watching the Spanish television channels. That helps.”
“You’re a good student,” he said and winked.
The waiter brought the dessert tray. They ordered a piece of cheesecake to split.
“We talked all evening about my job. How was your week?” Eva asked.
“Let’s say the week of our trip was so much better that I’d rather not talk about this past week at work.”
“Oh?”
“Yes. The owners are going to repurpose the empty warehouses. They’re more concerned about making money than anything else.”
“I can understand that. They are business men.”
“I’m curious to know what they decide,” Steven said.
They shared their dessert and ordered a cup of coffee.
“And what do you have this coming week?” Steven asked.
“My first classes. I have to admit I’m a little nervous.”
“You’ll be tremendous. The students will have the best teacher they have ever had,” Steven said.
“You are too sweet,” she said, squeezing his hand.
Steven looked at his watch. “I’d better get back across the bridge. Saturday night can be rough getting back into Mexico.”
“I understand.” Eva was disappointed. She had hoped to spend more time with Steven. She fanaticized they might take a walk on the beach. She also knew it would be difficult to get across the Brownsville International Bridge later at night, and driving through Matamoros could be sketchy.
Steven paid the check.
“Let me walk you to your car,” he said.
Steven gave Eva a kiss on the cheek, said he would see her again soon, and opened her car door for her. She wondered if they’d ever progress to a more serious dating relationship. She knew there were many barriers to overcome if the relationship moved to the next level.
Eva turned on the local radio station as she drove from the island back to Brownsville. The station played some of her favorite Tejano music. Between songs, the radio announcer gave the weather forecast.
“There’s an outside chance the Category 1 hurricane León near the Yucatán will continue to develop. However, it is expected to cross over the Yucatán, then dissipate and be downgraded to a tropical storm. Stay tuned to the storm-tracker station.”
Good, no threat, she thought.
When she returned home, Eva unlocked her apartment door and got ready for bed. Her phone rang in her purse. Hoping it was Steven, she got it out quickly. The caller ID indicated it was her mother.
“Mom? Is everything okay?”
“Of course. But lands’ sakes! I saw on the weather channel you are going to have a hurricane. It is right by you in the Gulf of Mexico!”
“Mom, the storm is near the Yucatán and nowhere near Texas.”
“Are you sure? Aren’t you evacuating?”
“Mom, don’t worry. It’s going to dissipate. That’s the forecast. It was just on the news.”
“Well, good. Now, has the caravan made it to Brownsville yet?”
“Oh, Mother. There’s no caravan here.”
“Okay. Work going okay? You said you had a meeting this week?”
“The meeting was amazing. I saw the island for the first time. It is beautiful. Very tropical.”
“Of course, it is. You are next to the Gulf, after all.” Her mother laughed, then said, “Well, glad you are okay. Call me soon.”
“I will, Mom. I’ll call in a few days after my classes get going.”
“Bye now.”
“Bye, Mom.”
Eva’s head was swimming. Hurricane, Steven, the grant meeting, her first week of classes day after tomorrow. She was exhausted. A hot shower and a good book to read would help her relax. She would rest all day tomorrow and be refreshed for her class meeting on Monday.
Chapter Twenty-Five
DOLORES, ERNESTO, AND EMILIO HAD no idea what was happening. They remained blindfolded and handcuffed in plastic bands. Dolores was hungry, and she knew her brothers were, too. Men were shouting and telling them where to go as they led them out a door. The men sounded angry. Dolores thought they also seemed panicky.
“You, over there,” a man said as he pulled Dolores. “And those two, put with her,” the man said to another man. Dolores hoped the other two were her brothers.
At once, she was put into another van. She felt someone being thrown in beside her. She whispered, “Ernesto? Emilio?”
“It’s me, Ernesto,” he said as he touched her with his shoulder.
“Is Emilio here?” she whispered.
No one answered. Had they been separated? She felt sick again.
Another door opened, and a driver got in the van, while another man climbed in on the passenger side. The van motor started and sped away.
“Taking them to the south safehouse?” the passenger asked the driver.
“That’s what I was told to do.”
The men didn’t talk the rest of the way. After a short ride on a bumpy road, they were placed inside a small safehouse.
“You stay here,” the man said, placing Dolores in a room next to someone else. She heard the man return.
“And you, sit down. Stay here. Don’t talk to each other.” Then the man left and closed and locked an outside door.
Long silence filled the room. No one talked, and there was no movement inside the house. The only noise was the increasing howling of the wind.
Dolores couldn’t tolerate the silence and not knowing about her brothers.
“Hello?” she whispered. “Ernesto?” she asked.
“Yes. I’m here,” Ernesto whispered.
