After spending another great day with the children, Sister Claire and Angie and Mira headed out in Sister Claire's car to take in the Quinces. It wasn't long before she was steering the little car pass the school, and up the driveway to the mansion.

After the valet took the car the women entered the grounds through a gated archway. They walked further and through an arching tunnel that went right through the center of the mansion to a very large backyard.

There was a succulent aroma of roast pig cooking on the huge fire pits, along with all the other food that was laid out on the tables. An orchestra was set up on the far end of the deck that reached out almost as if it would be touch the ocean. The pool on the hillside of grounds had a waterfall streaming into it, which was breath taking. The beauty kept on down the hillside to another plateau with an amazing flower garden surrounding yet another smaller pool of water. There was a vast assortment of beautiful shrubs and flowers that continued down the pathway leading down to the beach. Angie and Mira couldn't help but to amazed by the splendor of it all.

Angie: I don't think I ever seen a more beautiful place.

Mira: I know I never seen so many lovely flowers and plants in my lifetime.

Sister Claire: It is the all Senora Morales hard work her talents are limitless.

Angie's thoughts of her mother's beauty and talent soon waned as she began to notice the armed security men who stood out amongst the crowd that was starting to build. It just seemed so ironic that her mother was actually being held captive in such a beautiful place.

Looking back up at the huge mansion there were many balconies the largest one had a flight of curving steps that led down to the deck. There were also ramp ways off to the side.

The orchestra's music came to a stop as it was announced that the Young women of Asturis would be making their appearance.

The lively Cuban anthem was then played. As the anthem ended seven young ladies appeared on the balcony. It was hard to tell the difference between them until they took their turns parading down the spiral staircase. They where all dressed in the same sparkling silver white gowns with matching veils. Each one was holding a different bouquet of flowers and a little box.

When the young women reached the bottom of the stairwell and stepped onto the platform their names where announced as they unveiled themselves. The parents of each young lady then stepped out unto a platform as their daughters reached it. The daughters took turns giving their mothers the flowers and their fathers a box in which was placed a piece of paper then it was returned to the daughter. There were many hugs and kiss's as the parents congratulated their daughters.

Angie stood in awe of it all waiting to get a closer look at her sister her heart was racing with anticipation. When it came time for her sister to make her way Angie realized she didn't even know her name her own sister a stranger.

She was finally able to see her sister's eyes as she approached the platform they were the same color of blue as herself and her mothers. Her name was announced as Selena Angela Morales as she unveiled herself.

The tears began to brim in Angie's eyes she couldn't believe it. She was the spitting image of herself at that age right down to her father's dimple on her chin. Angie's heart started to race more rapidly as she realized that Selena had to be full sister. But just as Angie was getting over that shock, her mother came into view wheeling an older sickly looking man up unto the platform.

Mira was just as caught up in everything that was happening it was all so surreal. Knowing that Angie could use some support she had kept a hand on her back. Which was a good thing because when it came time for Angie's mother and Senor Morales to congratulate Angie's sister she nearly buckled over as Selena bent down to kiss Senora Morales and then gave him a big hug.

Angie couldn't believe her eyes how could this be happening it just didn't make sense she felt like she was going to get sick. If it hadn't been for Mira holding on so tightly she probably would of fell apart right then and there.

Mira was relieved that they were asked to take a seat while some dancing was performed, as she wasn't sure if Angie would be able to stand too much longer. After the dancing was over Angie's mother welcomed every one for coming and invited them to eat and drink until their hearts were content. And that the ball would start after the meal.

It was very hard for the both of Angie and Mira to even try and fathom out a reason why Angie's sister was being so kind to Senor Morales. After a bit Angie became more curious and was able to compose herself somewhat to talk to Sister Claire about her sister.

Angie: Selena sure looks like her mother.

Sister Claire: Selena is a lot like her mother, beautiful and just as kind hearted.

Angie: How old is she?

Sister Claire: Selena has just recently turned 15

Angie did the math quickly and figured out that her mother had to be pregnant for Selena when she and her father had left Cuba.

She definitely was her full sister so why was she so close with Morales. The thought of it sickened Angie.

Mira: Both her parents looked very proud of her.

Hesitating Sister Claire replied "Yes Selena is blessed parents. Senor Morales provides for many in need."

Mira and Angie could both feel the dedication Sister Claire felt towards Senor Morales.

Angie became very engrossed in watching her mother parade her sister around to talk to people with a guard in tow. Her feelings were still very mixed but she knew she had to control them, as they would soon be at her table. Mira's elbow nudged in her back sure helped.

Angie's Mother: Sister Annie and Sister Maria this is my daughter Selena!

Mira: Sister Claire was just telling us about you.

In a smaller cracking voice Angie said. "Hello Selena"

Just as Angie's mother was about to talk, Selena butted in by saying to Angie " I've heard your great with computers."

Angie: You have? Looking surprised.

Mira: Anything you need to know just Annie.

Selena: Wow! Finally the world is changing for better.

Angie's Mother: Selena!

Selena: Oh! Mother you know its time women got to have more pull in the world.

Mira couldn't help but smile at this young woman's attitude and Angie was also intrigued with how Selena sounded just like herself.

Angie's Mother: You'll have to excuse my daughter she can be very opinionated by times.

Angie: That’s not a problem it's actually refreshing.

Mira smiled towards Angie as she said "Yes and there are a lot of young women with the same attitude as your daughter."

Angie's Mother: My how the world is changing.

Angie: Change can be good.

Selena looked at Angie with a gleam in her eyes and asked, " Do you think you could teach me some things about computers."

Angie: Sure!

Angie's Mother: Maybe you could both come for lunch tomorrow and show both my daughter and I some of your skills.

Beaming at the idea Angie replied. "That would great."

Mira: You'll be amazed at what you can learn from Sister Annie.

Selena: I can hardly wait.

Angie's Mother smiled as she looked at Selena and said. " Yes but right now you have some more quests to meet!" She then excused her daughter and herself and continued with their introductions.

While they had talked the night had come upon the three guests and Sister Claire suggested they leave to return to the convent. Leaving the compound Angie turned to look back up the hill one more time. A huge display of fireworks firing in different directions lit up the darkened sky. It certainly was a comparison as to how she now felt about her own life.