Shattered Essence Read online

  SHATTERED ESSENCE

  By

  N.K. Morales

  This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or to actual events or locales is entirely coincidental.

  SHATTERED ESSENCE

  Copyright © 2013 Daily Dose LLC

  All rights reserved.

  This book may not be reproduced in whole or in part, by any means, without permission from the author. Making or distributing electronic copies of this book constitutes copyright infringement.

  This e-book is licensed for your personal enjoyment only.

  This e-book may not be re-sold.

  Visit the author website:

  www.nkmorales.com

  Copy Editor

  Diane Alexander

  www.expertcopyedit.com

  ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

  I would like to thank my beautiful sisters Franchiskia and Annaliza for reading the first very rough draft and for encouraging me every step of the way. A special thanks goes to my uncle Frankie for always believing in me. I would like to thank my husband Dick for being my sounding board and for taking this crazy journey with me. Finally I would like to thank my son Andrew for giving me the time I needed to write even when that meant he would be eating Ramen noodles for dinner. Again.

  Table of Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  Chapter 29

  Chapter 30

  Chapter 31

  Chapter 32

  Chapter 33

  Chapter 34

  Chapter 35

  Chapter 36

  Chapter 37

  Chapter 38

  Chapter 39

  Chapter 40

  Chapter 41

  Chapter 42

  Chapter 43

  Chapter 44

  For it was not into my ear you whispered, but into my heart. It was not my lips you kissed, but my soul.

  ~ Judy Garland

  Chapter 1

  Summer

  Esperanza

  Nothing says “doomed” like your parents taking you on a summer vacation to a dude ranch. Horses, cowboys, campfires, and bugs. I couldn’t imagine anything more boring. There was no need to travel across the state to ride horses when my grandparents had horses I could ride for free. Sure, cowboys had some nice qualities. For example, I never saw a cowboy whose keister didn’t look yummy in a pair of Wrangler jeans. There were plenty of cowboys in Colorado Springs. Again, I didn’t see the need to travel across the state.

  Campfires? They were pretty to look at and, of course needed to make proper s’mores. One major downside to campfires was the smoke. The only way to get rid of the smell was to take a shower.

  If there is one thing I hate it is definitely bugs, specifically spiders. Just thinking about them gives me the heebie jeebies. Thanks, but no thanks.

  Apparently, a normal vacation to Cancun was too average for Tito and Bella Reyes.

  Shoot me. Shoot me now!

  If I was going to be stuck here for a week I sure hoped they at least had a pool. A good-looking lifeguard would be nice, too.

  “Don’t worry mija, you are going to love it,” my dad said as he parked in front of the large red cabin.

  For as long as I could remember my dad had always called me “mija” which means daughter in Spanish.

  My mom turned to face me saying, “Don’t you remember how much fun you have when we visit grandpa’s ranch? You love being on the ranch, hanging out with the wranglers, having cookouts, and camping under the night sky.” Bella continued, “It was a challenge to get you away from the horses. You would’ve slept with them if we let you.”

  Bella turned forward and slid out of the passenger seat. I crossed my arms over my chest and sank deeper in my seat.

  “I was eleven, Mom, when I wanted to hang out with the wranglers and camp outside. Eleven!”

  “Espe, don’t worry, sweetheart. It’ll be fun. You’ll see. Really,” she said as she pulled me out of the car.

  “Define fun,” I asked my mom while walking toward the red cabin.

  Stopping to face me, she placed her hand on my shoulder. “Everything will be fine. I promise,” she said speaking to me like I was three years old.

  “Frank, the Army buddy your dad is meeting here, has children around your age. I think their names are Mike and Brandy.” She stared off into space for a second before saying, “Or is it Brooke and Matthew?”

  Shaking her hands and head in unison she said, “It doesn’t matter. What does matter is there are plenty of things for you guys to do. There’s a pool, and a lake nearby where you can fish, hike, run and stare at the stars all night.”

  I gave my mom a stone-cold look. I was uninterested in what she had to say and I wanted her to know it.

  “You do realize those are all activities I can do at home.”

  She ignored me and added, “You’re going to have so much fun; I just know it! Who knows, maybe more kids will show up and all of you can play together.” Mom turned toward me grinning and trying her best to encourage me.

  I tilted my head toward my left shoulder, bit the inside of my lower lip, raised my eyebrows, and let out a sigh of pure disgust. “Seriously, Mom?” I asked. “I don’t play with my friends. I’m eighteen, in case you forgot.”

  I was wondering what kind of mess I’d gotten myself into by agreeing to come on this trip.

  Mom’s big eyes looked right through me when she wrinkled her nose. I didn’t need to look into her bluish gray eyes to know she was disappointed in me. I was being a bitch. Even if I was dissatisfied in our family vacation I had no reason to take my anger out on my mom. My mom was the sweetest person I knew. She was also beautiful, wise, and artistic. I loved my mom and she didn’t deserve to be treated badly. Besides, she was probably right and I would have a good time. I love the great outdoors and I love horses. Maybe if I was lucky I’d get along with Brandy and Mike, or was it Brooke and Matthew? I could spend time with them instead of hanging out with my parents all week. Doubtful, but a girl can dream, can’t she?

  Rolling my eyes I said, “Okay, okay, you’re right. It will be a good time.” I smiled then kissed my mom on the cheek.

  My dad had been holding open a heavy red wood door which led into the main cabin.

  “Today ladies,” he complained.

  As my parents checked us in, I took in my surroundings. To my left was a copper fire pit that had to be at least six feet around and ten feet tall. It was, by far, the largest fire pit I had ever seen. The copper bowl that held the wood was about a foot and a half deep. It sat three feet off the ground on wrought iron legs. It had a large cone-shaped copper flue which was anchored to the ceiling with a thick straight-link chain. It was surrounded by four spacious brown leather couches. Chairs made out of natural cedar logs covered in burgundy and blue Southwestern fabric were dispersed about to complete the space.

  The whole left wall was floor-to-ceiling windows. Through
them I could see the pool, some picnic tables, and a Jacuzzi. The pool area was enclosed by evergreen trees, which explains why I didn’t see it when we pulled in.

  Beyond the tree line was a majestic view of the mountains. They were densely covered with aspen and evergreen trees. Some of the mountains were so tall they had tree lines. It truly was a magnificent view.

  In front of me were twelve dining tables that seated ten per table. Each table was made from the same logs as the chairs in front of the fire pit. They were rather charming and I could almost see one of them in my Aunt Sally’s cabin near Creede.

  Behind the dining room tables were the kitchen and a hallway leading to the bathrooms. Farther down the hall were three more doors. I assumed one was a pantry and the other an employee break room. The third door at the end of the hallway was open. Through the screen door I could see it lead out to a barn.

  As I continued looking around I spotted a counter with coffee and tea. A brown wicker basket held granola bars, chips, and fruit snacks. A wooden bowl contained fresh fruit. A pewter platter sat in the middle of the counter with chocolate chip cookies, fresh brownies, and lemon bars. To the left of the counter was a fridge with sodas, water, and sports drinks.

  Yummers!

  This might not be such a bad vacation after all.

  Chapter 2

  Espe

  I thought the main cabin was impressive. It held nothing on our cabin. It was amazing, even if it was red.

  The front view showcased a covered porch with four white Adirondack rocking chairs. The living room contained a large leather couch and two recliners. The coffee tables, end tables, beds and dressers were all made out of logs. The entire cabin was warm and cozy. A part of the outdoors was inside. I loved it!

  Our cabin had two bedrooms each with its own private bathroom. They were stocked with top-of-the-line bath products and fluffy white towels. A basket of baby birds made out of washcloths sat on the vanity.

  We had a tiny kitchenette, which included a small fridge, microwave, and coffee pot. Sitting on top of the kitchen counter was a note from our maid welcoming us.

  Welcome to the Ranch!

  We hope your visit will leave a lasting impression, giving you many happy memories to take home and share.

  In preparation for your stay I have stocked the fridge with several of your favorite beverages. I also included plenty of water; wouldn’t want you to get dehydrated in this mountain heat.

  If you get the munchies in the middle of the night or just don’t feel like walking to the dining hall you will find some snacks in the cabinet to the right of the sink.

  I will be by daily to ensure all of your needs are met, including housekeeping and running any errands you may have. In case I am not around and you need to get ahold of me I can be reached at 970-555-2135.

  I look forward to being at your service.

  Beth

  What? Our very own maid who would wait on us all week? A cabinet with Oreos, Lay’s potato chips, Ritz crackers, and microwave popcorn. A fridge with my dad’s favorite beer, bottled water, apple juice, orange juice, Coke, and Diet Mt. Dew! Awesome! I loved Beth all ready.

  Our cabin even had a washer and dryer.

  “Holy smokes! This is way cooler than I ever imagined,” I yelled out to my parents who were busy unloading the truck.

  “I’m glad you’re impressed, mija,” my dad said as he brought in our suitcases.

  Standing near the door my mom winked at me, “See, Espe, I told you it wouldn’t be bad.”

  Grabbing my suitcase from my dad I asked, “Can I go for a swim after we’re done unpacking?”

  “Go, mija, we’ll unpack for you. Be careful and have a good time,” my dad said while kissing the top of my head.

  As intimidating as my dad looked, he was really just a big kitty cat. His toned six-foot-four, two-hundred-fifty pound stature usually had my friends shaking in their boots when they met him. Even though he looked mean and tough he was the most sensitive person I had ever met. It was my dad who cried at my bed side when I was hospitalized with pneumonia in the sixth grade.

  “Be back and ready for dinner by six,” my mom added.

  As I walked down the hall on the way to my room to change I hollered, “Okay. Six o’clock— got it.”

  Chapter 3

  Drew

  Every once in a while I couldn’t resist acting like a five year old, today was one of those days.

  The smell of evergreen trees tickled my nose. The view of the mountains was spectacular. All the windows in the vehicle were open, allowing the air to bat everyone’s hair around. I was looking forward to spending time on a dude ranch. I couldn’t wait. Cowboys, campfires, fishing, hiking, swimming in natural hot springs, and of course all the fresh air I could muster. The only down side was not having a phone or television for a week.

  Living in San Diego I didn’t get the opportunity to do any of these things. Most of my days were spent at the beach surfing. My evenings consisted of fighting with my younger brother by two years, Scott, going to Kenpo Karate training, and hanging out with my good friend Steve.

  As we drove through the Colorado Rockies I licked my forefinger and stuck it in Scott’s ear. He turned and punched me in the arm. I retaliated by punching him on his thigh.

  “Mom! Drew’s hitting me,” Scott whined.

  “Drew, how many times do I have to tell you not to hit your brother? And Scott, how many times do I have to tell you not to egg Drew on? I swear the two of you are going to be the death of me.”

  Scott continued to whine, “He started it!” Usually when Scott talks he drowns out everyone around him. When he whines my ears want to bleed.

  I rolled my hands into fists and pretended I was rubbing away tears. “Oh, poor baby has to go crying to his Mommy.”

  “Mom! Drew’s making fun of me!”

  “Both of you shut up! Not one more peep out of either one of you till we get to the ranch. Do you understand?” my dad stated matter of factly.

  My very quiet sister Jessica whispered, “You just had to poke the bear, didn’t you.”

  I rolled my eyes at both of them then leaned my head back and closed my eyes. I thought about how during winter break, over six months ago, Max and Mary Kay Malone asked their three children what they would like to do and where they would like to go for summer vacation.

  Scott suggested surfing in Hawaii. I remember thinking what an idiot he was.

  Duh! We live in San Diego and can go surfing any time, all though the waves would be kickass.

  Jessica, my fourteen-year-old baby sister, who hardly said a word, suggested an Alaskan cruise. I actually thought it was a pretty good idea. Getting to see the glaciers and live whales, it would be an experience of a lifetime. Alaska also had mountains, so I could hike and fish. Only one thing kept me from agreeing with Jessica; I wasn’t particularly fond of cold weather. Even in July I was apprehensive the weather would suck.

  I was halfway through my freshman year at San Diego State at the time, and had just finished Southwest American history. I thought about the Wild West and how fun it would have been to be a cowboy with a pistol attached to my thigh. With the thought fresh in my mind I suggested camping or a dude ranch, where we could go horseback riding, hiking, and fishing. A dude ranch would provide all the thrills of camping without the tent.

  Someplace in the back of my mind I thought Max and Mary Kay choose to go on this vacation to appease me. It was one final attempt to see me happy before I left in August for the National Autonomous University of Mexico in Mexico City. I wouldn’t be returning home till next June.

  For as long as I can remember I wanted to be an FBI, DEA, or ATF agent. I figured if I got a double major in Forensic Science and Spanish with a minor in Criminal Justice I might just have a chance.

  I won’t lie, I am a little afraid of going all the way to Mexico just to take some Spanish classes. Sometimes I wonder if my head’s screwed on tight enough.

  “We’re almos
t there!” I heard my mom say from behind the steering wheel loud enough to break me out of my trance.

  Leaning forward from the back seat, Scott asked, “How much longer?”

  Resting in the passenger seat with his eyes shut my dad replied, “Less than five miles.” How he knew with his eyes shut was a mystery to me.

  We were traveling up a mountain on a curvy narrow dirt road. The only scenery was trees to the left of me, trees to the right of me, trees ahead and trees behind. The closer we got the longer the road seemed. I can honestly say the anticipation of arriving along with the view and the smell of fresh air had me feeling titillated.

  Man, am I messed up— titillated? Who says crap like that?

  Chapter 4

  Espe

  There is nothing as relaxing as spending an afternoon at the pool. I worked on my tan, drank ice-cold lemonade and met Brooke, age 17. She was an anxious person, constantly biting her fingernails and looking over her shoulder. Matthew, age 15, was currently in the awkward stage of puberty. He was tall and lanky with a squeaky voice and his face had a handful of zits. I also met Paula, age 20 from Seattle, Washington. She was a true extrovert. She was very pretty with a bubbly personality and huge knockers. It was clear she was the life of any gathering.

  This little family vacation was going to be exactly what I needed. I’d have to remember to thank my mom and dad when I get back to the cabin.

  Crap!

  Thinking about my parents, I needed to get moving. I still had to take a shower, comb my hair, and find something to wear before dinner.