The next day at the airport Mira thought she would give Angie a hand with her luggage after seeing how she had struggled with putting them in her car earlier that morning.

Mira: What the heck have you got in those bags?

Angie: What? You don't know my motto.

Mira: What are you talking about?

Angie: Always is prepared.

Mira: By the feel of those bags you will be prepared until your grandchildren become boy scouts. .

Shaking her head Mira then handed Angie her ticket.

Angie: I will pay you for this and your ticket too. Still smirking at Mira's remark

Mira: Don't worry the departments taking care of it. Smiling as she said it

Angie: Oh really! I can handle that. Angie grinned back

The two then both headed towards the departure gate where they boarded the plane for their flight to Miami.

The plane lifted off roaring into the sky above. It was a beautiful day for New York, hardly any smog. The male steward asked the two women if they wanted anything.

Mira: Orange juice and one of those muffins please!

Angie: I'll take the same thanks.

When the steward turned to pour their juice Mira took a long look at his backside.

Mira: Nice Butt! Looks like it would be nice to squeeze.

Angie: Behave! Angie's rolled her eyes in disbelief.

Mira: There's no fun in that.

Angie couldn't help but to shake her head at Mira's frisky behavior.

As the steward turned to give them their orange juice Mira asked him if it was freshly squeezed this morning, meanwhile poking Angie's side with her elbow.

The tears began brim in Angie's eyes as she held her hand over mouth trying to conceal her laughter.

Ignoring the last question the steward then asked indignantly "Will that be all?"

Mira: For now thanks. Smiling contentedly.

Angie still shook with laughter when she told Mira " You are wicked!"

Mira: Just having fun! Her dark brown eyes twinkling.

The rest of the trip went by quickly, but probably not quick enough for the steward whose face turned blood red every time he passed the two.

After landing at the Miami Airport the two made their way towards the luggage ramp then on to the car rentals.

After loading up the brand new shiny red Windstar the two women headed south bound through Dade County to Little Havana.

Being in Florida felt like a dream to Angie, the white sands and huge palm trees brought back old memories.

Mira: Are you okay?

Angie: Yeah, just a little déjà vu.

Mira: How about we get things settled at the hotel then head to Emilio's for lunch.

Angie smiling with appreciation at Mira's attempt to distract her replied "Sure I'm starved."

Mira: There's the Hotel.

Angie: Pretty Swanky, If I do say so myself!

Mira: Nothing but the best for us girl!

Angie: No complaints here. Nodding her head in agreement.

After settling in and getting directions, it was no time before the two were making their way on the short walk to Emilio's.

The liveliness of the neighborhood was overwhelming the strong colours used by shop owners and the sound of songo music and spicy aromas were intoxicating.

Angie: This reminds me so much of Cuba!

Mira: Yeah, talk about keeping in touch with your roots.

Angie: I hope we can find something out about my mother.

Mira: Looks like we're in the right place.

Just outside the restaurant on a bench, there was a group of three elderly men, each one was dressed as if ready to go to a wedding, wearing white suits and bright shirts and to top that off, they all had on fedora hats. The overall look was the same, but each man had his own unique differences.

Angie became more excited and beamed as it all brought back a fond memory of her childhood a memory of her father and mother taking her out for her birthday to a fancy restaurant that looked so much like this one.

They passed the three gentlemen who took their hats off in one stroke and greeted the women with a very friendly "Hello Senorita's!

Entering the Restaurant Mira and Angie both smiled as they returned the gentlemen's greetings. They then waited in the lobby until the headwaiter came over to seat them. The inside of the restaurant was a monument to the Cuban culture, the paintings were so vibrant and the mass of tropical plants were such a luscious green.

Handing the Menu's to the women, the waiter asked if they would like a drink before ordering. Angie took the opportunity to get back at Mira's antics this morning by asking for freshly squeezed orange juice. Mira came close to choking on the ice water she had just taken a sip of.

Waiter: Are you all right Senorita?

Mira after regaining her composer replied "Fine thanks."

Handing the ladies their menu's he then left until they where ready to order. Angie was a reeling with excitement at the thought of being so close to finding out about her mother and the whole atmosphere made her feel exhilarated.

Angie: So when do we ask about my mother?

Mira: Easy Angie lets get a feel for the place first.

Angie: It's just that we are so close!

Mira: I know! I know!

Just then the three gentlemen from outside on the bench entered the restaurant and sat at table that was obviously their usual place. Mira listened intently to their conversation that was being spoken in Spanish. It was all about how things used to be for them in Cuba.

Angie: I wish I had kept my Spanish up.

Mira: You know those gentlemen may be just the people we need to talk to.

Angie: Really! What are they talking about?

Mira: What else! Cuba… amigo…. Cuba!

After their meal when the waiter returned to ask them if they wanted desert, Mira asked him if it would be possible for him to ask the gentlemen if they could join them at their table to share a bottle of wine.

Upon Mira's request the waiter went over and gave the men the message. The gentlemen where more than willing to oblige.

Mira introduced themselves as Mira Palmerez and Angie England; it would be safer to use aliases. The gentleman with the feather in his hat introduced himself as Miguel Estefan and the other two where his brothers Raul and Pedro.

"So where are you fine young ladies from" asked Miguel

Mira answered "Canada"

Miguel: So what brings you two ladies to our little neighborhood?

Mira: Just a little vacation, Angie and I have always been interested in the Cuban Culture.

Angie: We were told this was the closest you can get to Cuba.

"You're right about that young lady" claimed Miguel

It seemed the oldest brother was going to be the designated talker of the three. While the other two sat quietly unless of course to grunt in agreement. After two more bottles of wine Angie decided it was time to start finding out what she really wanted to know.

Angie: So when did you emigrate here!

Miguel: My brothers and I left Cuba about 10 years ago.

Mira: Do you still have family there?

Miguel: Yes, Yes, we do have three sisters who remain on the Island. They are all doing God's work as nuns.

Mira: Sounds like your family is the type to help people.

Miguel: You're right about that young lady.

Angie: I hear it's a lot easier to get on and off the Island now but at one time it was harder and some Americans were held there against their will

Miguel: You hear right.

Mira then decided to join in on the questioning sensing Angie's need to find out things quicker.

Mira: Doe's that sort of thing still happen?

Miguel: Yes, why do you ask?

Mira: Just curious

Angie: Have you ever heard a story about a general holding an American woman for his own personal use?

Miguel: You know there is one such story. It's about this beautiful American woman who was married to a man in the show business. She is kept on the Island by a powerful rich General named Vincent Morales he has so much power that he does almost everything he pleases.

Angie couldn't believe what she was hearing; he had to be talking about her parents. It was quite a challenge not to burst out and say it. Mira was able to keep her cool as usual though.

Mira: That almost sounds like a movie. Is it actually true?

Miguel: Yes my dear local fishermen had often seen the woman mourning the loss of her husband and daughter by walking along the shores of the compound where she is held. If I'm correct the woman's dead husband's name was Manny…yes… Manny Rameriz that’s it.

Mira: Do you know where the compound is?

Miguel: North of Santa Clara near the village of Asturias.

Mira: Do you know anything about this woman?

Miguel: Yes she is a lady who is also considered a Saint in that area. It is said, that in order to keep her content Senor Morales let the American woman help the children of the nearby village by having them go to the compound to be educated. She is also known to help other children on the island with special needs and medical problems.

Mira: Wow how did you hear about all this?

Miguel: Our sisters the Nuns sometimes they accompany such young children to be helped. They also like to go see the Senora on special occasions.

Angie: Special occasions? What special occasions?

Miguel: Times like when they hold Quinces. It must be soon time for the Quinces to be held.

Mira: Isn't that what they celebrate when girls turn into women?

Miguel: Yes, they say the Senora she does this to honor the memory of her daughter by making sure that all the young women of the village are able to celebrate.

Angie couldn't hold back the emotion anymore she quickly excused herself and headed for the ladies room. Mira quickly told the men that her friend wasn't used to drinking too much wine.

Miguel: That’s quite understandable, we will be taking this opportunity to leave now so your friend isn't uncomfortable.

Mira: Thank you…It was an honor to meet you.

Miguel: We hope that you will join us again, it's not often that my brothers and I get to entertain such beautiful ladies. Thank you.

Blushing Mira then said "You're welcome"

Just after the men left, Mira bolted to the washroom where she found Angie splashing her face with water trying to erase the evidence of tears. Knowing that this must all be so overwhelming for her, Mira quickly put her arms around her to give a comforting hug. In doing so she could feel Angie trembling.

In a shaky voice Angie blurted out. "My mother thinks I'm dead she never knew my father and I escaped."

Mira: Oh Angie this must be very hard on you…I'm so sorry.

Angie: If anyone is to blame it's that pig Morale's

Mira: It's all so very cruel.

Angie: I have to go to her…I have to let her know I'm alive.

Mira: Yes, but right now you need to think things through.

Angie: I don't want to waste anymore time Mira!

Mira: I know, I know but we can't just rush into it we need time to make our plans, we have to be careful.

Angie: We? Does that mean you're coming with me to Cuba?

Mira: Hey, I've taken the ride this far I may as well go the rest of the way. But first I do have a little business to do for the N.Y.P.D. okay.

Angie: Okay…. I understand but how long will it take?

Mira: Not long, why don't you go take in some sun and I'll meet you back at the hotel later tonight.

Angie: You’re the best! Her mind was already starting to spin with the things she needed to do to prepare for Cuba.

After another hug the women went their separate ways.

Walking back along the waterfront, Angie stopped to take a long look at the ocean in the direction of Cuba. The water was such a beautiful turquoise blue that it was almost hypnotizing.

The late afternoon sun made it sparkle as if diamonds where dancing on it. The sparkles went on forever. Angie couldn't help but to think of her mother, and that maybe she could just as well be looking at the same thing.