It had been four years since Juan was killed in the bull ring. Each day Elena woke to a heavy heart and no hope. She still danced at La Cantina, she still carried a black rose and altho many people praised her dancing and still threw coins after she danced, nothing had any meaning for her any longer.  Since Juan's death one day seemed like the next. Her brother Jorge had married and her frail sister Margorita grew weaker as the Doctors had predicted. Her aging parents had sunk into a depression along with Elena as their hopes for a better life had been dashed also when Juan was killed on that fateful day.

One night, just as she began to dance, a tall man entered La Cantina. She was startled by his resemblance to Juan. But this man exuded great physical strength and immense Power. He stared at her as she danced, his eyes watching her intensely. When she had retreated to her little dressing room, he followed her. Giving her a dramatic, low, sweeping bow, he introduced himself. His name was Phillipe Mendoza, the owner of a large Cabaret in Madrid.  He told her, he had never seen such a vision of lovliness,dancing in his life. He offered her an opportunity to go to Madrid to dance in his Cabaret at an immense salary with a contract.

Elena, listened but even then  her mind drifted to Juan. Juan might have looked like this man had he lived. Finally Elena said she must discuss this with her parents because she lived with them and out of repect to them as her parents. Phillipe told her he was passing through her town and would leave tomorrow on the train for Madrid. He told her the name of his hotel and urged her to reach him early tomorrow, as his train left at 8:00am. "I will place the World at your feet", he told her and with that he once again bowed low, then reaching out he took her hand and kissed it. Elena, felt a ripple of pleasure go through her whole body as it stirred for the first time since Juan's death.

Elena hurried home to speak with her parents. She excitedly told them of this man Phillipe and his amazing offer. Altho the parents were anxious over the situation they gave their blessings for they knew that this might be the only chance Elena might have to escape the miserable and squalored life she now lived. She was hardly able to sleep for the excitement of thinking of the possiblities that could lay ahead for her. She arose early, bathed and dressed and hurried off to the hotel where Phillipe was staying. She burst through the doors, crossed the lobby and asked to be anounced to Senor Phillipe Mendoza. Within moments he crossed the lobby to her, smiling an enchanting smile. Elena told him of her decision to go to Madrid. "You will never be sorry", he replied. He told her to wait there and he would return quickly. Within minutes he returned and hurried her out of the hotel. He secured them transportation and soon they arrived at the train station. He dashed off to get a ticket for her then returned and insisted they eat before the train came. Only then, did Elena realize she was famished.

The train arrived in Madrid and again she was whisked off but now to a wonderful Villa. Never had she seen  such a place with lovely golden furniture, thick Persian rugs and glistening chandeliers. Lovely gardens surrounded the Villa and sparkling fountains sent silvery cascades of water shooting up into the air. Phillipe led her up a curving staircase then down a long corridor to a huge carved door with golden handles. "This is your room", he told her, smiling. Elena had never seen such an exquiste room in her life not even in her imagination. Off her bedroom was a huge room with a giantic tub all golden color and shaped like a swan. Phillpe pulled on a tasseled cord and within moments an older lady appeared. "This is Maria and she will attend to all your needs." "You have only to tell her what you wish and it shall be done for you".

Elena was stunned but told Maria she would like to bathe, after the long trip. Within minutes she sunk into the golden swan amidst shimmering bubbles of the most wonderous fragrance. Later when she returned to her bedroom a  sparkling gown of gold lay spread out on a nearby couch. Maria told her to sleep before dinner and that she would return to assist her. Hours later, Elena awaken and Maria helped her dress and arranged her shining black hair in a fashion that Elena had never seen before. As she decended the stairs for dinner she felt like a Queen. Her malaise of the past four years lifted and she felt alive again. Phillipe was there to guide her to the emmense dining room. Tall, marble candlesticks adorned the ornate carved table and sparkling crystal goblets and delicate plates and golden eating utensils were laid out. Lovely bouquets of flowers were all around the room, their sweet fragrance wafted on the gentle breeze coming through the huge open windows.

Phillipe guided her a softly cushioned chair and then.. said to her, "I have a present for you." With that he crossed to a large buffet and returned holding a large velvet box. He handed it to her and bid her open it. Elena slowly opened the box. She gasped when she saw the contents for she was starring at the most fabulous Emerald and Diamond necklace and earrings. Phillipe reached and lifted the necklace and placed it around her slender neck. Then he told her to put on the earrings. With shaking hands, she managed to get them in place. Phillipe took her hand and lifted her up from the chair and moved her toward one of the huge gilded mirrors in the room. As she starred at herself in the mirror, she could not believe this was her. Only last night, she was dancing in La Cantina and tonight she was in Madrid in this magnificent Villa with a gown of golden threads and wearing a necklace of Emeralds and Diamonds. She sparkled, she was dazzling! She smiled that sweet smile she possessed and shook her head. This could not be her, Elena from La Cantina!!!

Phillipe lead her back to the table and then seated across from her, he starred at her and he too smiled. Then he turned serious and said to Elena, "I have a secret to tell you." "Do you really want to know why I brought you here?" Elena, suddenly felt a chill. "Yes, you brought me here to dance at your Cabaret! That is what you told me." "No" said Phillipe "that is not so for I do not even own a Cabaret." Elena grew cold inside. She wanted to run....but to where? She did not even know where she was. Her mind raced, she felt total panic. Phillipe starred at her and said, "I brought you all this way for another purpose!" "Shall I.....NOW tell you what it is?" With that statement, he arose and began to walk slowly towards her. Elena felt true terror. She leaped from her chair and raced from the room screaming for her life!!

SkyAngel   ©

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