Love Tales

When Priscila got off the bus, everyone turned to her. They seem more fun than hostile. She thinks her clothes attract attention. She's definitely attractive, but this is no place for fancy clothes. I've never been to Fernando, Goiás or Paraná. I'm in Paulo, a cattle town in the north of Brejo Alegre. The women wore bright, colorful cotton dresses, the men, tanned and dirty, in Tshirts and shorts.

Priscila looks like a Vogue model, but she doesn't look like a magazine model. She was the product of luxury, a delicate, delicate blonde. No one looking at him would believe he needed attention, which he never got in his entire life. She is a rich and poor girl who has material comforts instead of affection and love.

His father was a wealthy financier, John. At age 10, Priscila went to boarding school, and after college, she was sent to Europe to get "a good polish", according to her mother, Mariana. Priscilla asked for nothing more than good looks, good manners and marriage with the man her parents chose: Nathanael.

Even in the heat, the memories made Priscila shiver. Nathanael felt physically attracted to her and wanted to lay her down. The girl was absolutely sure that she would not marry him. It would be another great addition to Nathanael's collection.

The bus driver placed the luggage beside him and smiled.

"Is there anything else I can do for you, sir?"

No thank you. We're early, aren't we? Priscilla asked with a smile as she sat down on the bench.

"No, it's time. Has anyone come to get you?

My Aunt. Priscila felt better saying that. "Hope you have a good holiday." Oh

The driver greeted her and quickly got out, enjoying her charming smile, if a little sad.

Priscila stopped looking at everyone and looked at the clock. He hoped Catarina would come soon. Catarina, her mother's beautiful and humble older sister, is a very nice and kind person, warm, generous, cheerful and enjoys life. Margarida da Silva, one of the best painters in the country.

Catarina lived and worked in Brejo Alegre for a year while exploring the unique and fascinating landscapes of the rest of the country. And Catarina's last show in Ibitinga, the country's capital, gives life to the magic of the place. Even Priscilla's father, a very observant collector, captured a stunning photo of water lilies in a dark blue lake.

How angry my father is with me, thought Priscila. He is no poor coward, unable to face the threat that stands in his way. Her father always worried her and her mother decided that her daughter should bow to her superior decisions. There are important things to consider when planning a good marriage: nurturing each other, mutual friends, maintaining family assets. It can be a business and love will come. Nathanael is attractive and ambitious. Together they will reach the pinnacle of success.

Mariana is always shopping and her husband never tries to stop her. Her beautiful clothes, her jewelry, the way she is happy is just a way to make her happy. Priscila doesn't care about the country of her parents. For him, everything is a glass cage.

Minutes passed and Catarina did not appear. Priscilla looked at the phone booth. Maybe you should call. Reluctantly, he ran a hand through the hair tied at the nape of his neck.

It was late, but very hot. Peering through the trees, he saw the bus driver point out a tall, thin male, dressed exactly like a character from a western: a scarf loosely tied around his neck, a blue denim shirt and skinny jeans, a dusty hat. , luxurious snakeskin belt and tasseled vest. He quickly turned his head and Priscilla saw a gleam in those strange eyes, almost shining through his tanned skin. What are they going to talk about?

Priscilla didn't have to wait long to know that the tall male was approaching her with all the smooth, wellproportioned beauty of a leopard, his eyes drawn into hers.

"You look so lost!" His voice was so charming and he looked so surprised that he almost stopped laughing. Right?

Priscilla seemed to see something in him: piercing gaze, aura of authority, masculine authority surrounding him. He reminded her of her father, a strong, cold, independent male.

"Someone is following me." he said quietly.

He is sure? Her voice was dry.

Yes thanks. he replied waiting for the boy to leave. Males like you harassed you. Despite his elegant attire, he knew he was more than just a cowboy. He is confident, competent and polite.

"Are you Priscilla?" The Male frowned and asked.

"Yes, I…" He wondered how he got there.

"You too!" he said looking into her eyes, hair, face and expensive clothes. Its long, slender legs are also visible.

How do you know? Her eyes showed surprise.

“Catarina has a picture of you on the piano. You must have been ten when the photo was taken, but not much has changed. You still have that missing girl. Let me introduce myself. I'm Paulo, your aunt's neighbor. You don't need to be too scared.

I am not! "It was unbelievable, but he was shaking and he couldn't hide it. Not those eyes.

"You're not running, are you?" he asked sharply. “Catarina has told me many times about her beautiful niece. Why did you come here?

“I want to see Catherine.

“Then you must have some problem. He looked at her closely and felt the pulse in her neck. "Do you know you're coming?"

That makes sense! There was anger in his soft, gentle voice. "I'm waiting for you to come."

“Well, we better check. Maybe you got the date wrong or Catarina was at work and forgot the time.

Priscilla didn't answer, although she was thinking about it. She hated the amused look in his eyes, the mischievous look of amusement.

"I better call," he said as he got to his feet.

Let me call. I think you might be emotionally depressed.

Is not. I am well.

"Okay, no problem! I'll call Catarina and say hello to your beautiful niece. Great, if you don't mind me saying that.

Confused and scared, Priscilla watched him walk to the phone booth. He had never met such an open male in his entire life. He impressed her; cleanlined face, straight bridge of nose, high jaw and square mouth, but his chin was that of a strong, fierce male.

He wants to know if Paulo is married. If so, poor thing, because he seems to be pushing and doing it for you. After a long time, the person picked up the phone, and saw a white smile in the corner of his mouth. He has big teeth and long hands holding a phone. Next to him, handsome Nathanael would look like a doll. The two must have been around the same age, thirty or so, but this male was where he wanted to be. That's when Priscila realized that the city was named after her! The last time she saw Catarina at a concert in Ibitinga, her aunt didn't mention that name to anyone, although she seemed to know Catarina well.

Paulo kept waving because he was always welcome. Apparently, he was known.

"Have you spoken to your aunt yet?" His voice was calm, but it really scared him.

“Catarina thinks she will be home on Friday. Now I scare you.

“But… I said I'd come at twentyone. "Priscilla is a bit ambitious.

"You stutter a little when you're nervous. It's actually adorable. Catarina thought she said twentythree, but that didn't matter. He apologized and I'll take him right away. With much approval, Paulo picked up his bag. The bus is not far. You will definitely prefer it to the bus. At least it has air conditioning.

Priscila has no choice but to go with Paulo. He was quite tall, but she felt small when he looked at her with those funny eyes.

"Calm down," Paulo said calmly. "Do you like heat?"

Yes, I am very happy.

“You've had a stressful day. He nodded and looked around.

"I see the city is named after him.

"We have a small stake in this," he said with a smile.

Do you have any assets?

“Yes, his name is Victor. Hope you see it. We raise cattle and racehorses. Some of them participated in competitions.

Truth? Priscilla's face showed an amused expression. "The only race I watch in Maringa is at Inrter Lagos.

“I'm sure it was filmed many times. She looked at her beautiful clothes that had a special tag.

"I'm not looking," Priscilla said quietly.

Not really, but photographers don't do anything without a pretty face.

They passed a line of cars and Paulo stopped behind a large truck.

"Did you stay long?" Catarina is happy to have you here.

I know. You are the sweetest and kindest person in the world.

“And you won't be home.” He touched her elbow lightly and pointed to the passenger side.

Startled by her vision, Priscila closed her eyes for a minute. Paul must know why he is there. Catherine told him? It's because? It hurt him and he avoided looking at her as he got into the car.

"Catarina, did you tell me why I'm here?" He howled and asked.

“My love, I just told you I needed a…vacation.

“Catarina has been my beloved aunt since childhood. He helped me a lot on many occasions.

"Did you have any problems?"

"I don't think I should answer your question, although I appreciate your help...

"But you don't have to tell me!" I'm smart enough to figure it out. You are not happy for Varao.

"Sirius!

He cried a little.

"Don't worry, you'll forget about it in a month," he said with a laugh.

Paulo pulled out of the parking lot and ignored her until they were almost out of town. Though she's not a big fan of costumes, Priscilla has never been indifferent to the fact that males find her beautiful and desirable, but now she's found a disturbing exception. He was polite enough to Paulo, despite the anger in his gray eyes. Catarina probably told him something about her family to let him know that he wouldn't strive for anything in his life but a loving relationship, but Paulo didn't care. He was a cold person with a sarcastic style and he knew Priscilla would crumble under pressure.

Priscilla looked confused when Paulo suddenly spoke.

Sorry. What do you say? he asks.

"WHAT ARE YOU THINKING?"

Inside you. I thought you didn't love me.

"Don't be so serious!"

"So you don't deny it?" She smiled and saw his eyes glued to his mouth.

"Is it so bad that you can't fascinate me?"

“I'm not trying. She was telling the truth, but he looked at her skeptically.

"Then don't laugh." Even my stone heart trembles sometimes, girl!

You is not married? Priscilla asked.

“How smart you are! I thought it odd that you weren't married or engaged.

"By choice," she said, blushing.

"Tell me about it. For a pretty girl, you seem full of complexes and inhibitions. That's strange for a society doll.

"Are you sure I'm one?"

"Maybe a sad little doll!" I'm sure you're an only child.

Catherine told him.

“Don't worry so much! Catherine told me a few things. You know how your aunt is. Despite everything, you are fascinating.

"And you are a very rude Man!"

“It must come as a shock to discover that you can't win over every male you meet.

“To be honest, I don't like men in general.

Why? he asked as if forcing her to admit it.

— I don't like it because you think you're better.

“But we are better, my little one. Now and ever.

"It's like I said, you really don't want to take me seriously!"

“Well, I have a feeling, Priscilla, that if I do that, it could be the end of me.

"Is there still a long way to go?" We've been out of town for a while now.

“It's only a few kilometers to Catarina's house.

"It's very isolated, isn't it?"

“Your aunt likes it that way, but we keep checking on her.

"What about Victor?"

“Start at the river.

"This country is very beautiful," she said after a while. "Beautiful, strange and wild.

“If you want to know more about this part of the world, from the beginning, I have a large library at your disposal. Several of the historical records were written by members of my own family, and we treasure my greatgrandmother's journals. The north of Brasilía was a very wild place and it took a lot of courage to conquer the desert. There are many stories that might interest you. Tales of pearls, gold and precious stones; sugar and cattle hunters, buffaloes and crocodiles. There are even legends of curses that blacks laid on their white masters. In the old days, Polynesians were dragged off the islands and forced to work in the cane fields. Life was wild, with violence and criminals. In certain areas, the wild Man was fond of feeding his enemies to crocodiles.

And your family? I do not know anything about you.

"My father is dead. He was an extraordinary horseman, even though he was reckless with an animal that strayed from the herd. My two sisters, Luiza and Larissa, are married. One of them lives in Votuporanda and the other in Venceslau. My mother shares her time between the three of us. I often see her in the winter when the weather is perfect. He can't stand the heat."

"So you manage the estate yourself?" Paulo looked at her with a half smile.

“As a matter of fact, I have many servants. But let's forget about that for now. Talk about you.

“Not much to say. Sometimes I think I don't really exist.

Oh my God! he exclaimed dryly. "And are you ready to accept this situation?"

Not. You're right, I'm in crisis.

“Because of the Man.

I did not say that.

"Come on, what else could it be?" It's obviously not money, so it must be love. Paul laughed as he spoke.

“Yes, really laugh. I deserve.

“I don't want to torture you, but it looks like you're running away.

“You make me feel stupid and weak.

It's not that. I'm trying to figure out what's bothering her.

Can I know why? she said a little bitterly.

"Catarina is my friend and I like her very much. It's natural that I should be interested in your niece. I've heard a lot about you. For starters, I know how nice and easygoing you are.

"Are you saying Catarina is exaggerating that she wasn't telling the truth?"

Not. You are kind, but also very shy. What happened?

"Does not matter." You might like Catarina a lot, but that doesn't mean you have to like me.

"No, I do not want." Why don't you exercise your rights and send me to hell?

“Because I don't care.

Very well! I see you have a personality.

Now Priscilla was embarrassed for being so rude, but Paulo was enjoying it. For a moment, she had an overwhelming urge to hit him, a feeling so foreign to her nature that she was horrified.

"Think about it," he said.

About what? The thought of him reading his mind was unbearable.

“You wanted to hit me. Her eyes turned green.

“I hate males like you,” she said, her voice a little shaky. “I've known them for years.

Real? That's a very strong statement. You never met a man in your life...

"Where is Catarina's house?" she complained, trying to change the subject.

“Okay, stop worrying. Perhaps this vacation is exactly what you want. You are an unusual girl and it will take some time to discover your hidden secrets.

"I certainly won't discuss them with you."

“You surrender every time you open your mouth. One thing's for sure, you're afraid of men.

You are crazy! I have many friends.

"Didn't you know you were afraid of males?" He looked at her with pity. Which is? Don't cry, Priscilla!

“You are cruel,” she muttered.

I am realistic. You don't like to know yourself. It takes courage to break out of prison. — As he spoke, he turned off the road onto a dirt road. “Catarina rented a farm across the street. Like you said, it's pretty isolated, but it's under my protection. The land belongs to me and no one will disturb it. For the sake of us all, try to get that hurt look off your face.

That's right. Priscila lowered the "sun", looked in the rearview mirror and replaced it. Her eyes are big and blue, her mouth more vulnerable than usual. What an impossible man! Paul has everything he wants, and if he wants more, he's going to take it anyway.

The sunset makes the sky beautiful. He had never seen anything like it before: red, pink, yellow and purple blended together perfectly. Then they approached the farmhouse, a white clapboard house with green pipes and a rusty red roof. Everywhere I looked I saw flowering plants, beautiful poinsettias and phoenixes, bright yellow cinnamon and sacred cinnamon, jasmine and oleander that seemed to grow at will.

"I've never seen such strange trees!" What makes the North different is the abundance of flowers", commented Priscila about the beauty.

"The rainy season is always like this. All the plants and trees seem to know that the rain is coming", commented Paulo.

They passed through the entrance, a beautiful forest of dark pink vines and a gate covered in the same flowers. It was as beautiful as a painting, a verdant landscape adorned with many colors. Even the old wooden house pleased him with its honeysuckle. When Priscilla looked up from the front door, she saw Catarina come out with her arms outstretched and almost tripped over the dog as he walked past her.

"Priscilla!

Eagerly, Priscilla opened the car door, expecting a warm welcome. Like a happy child, she ran to give Catarina a hug, and both of them almost cried with joy.

"Oh Melissa!

"Nice to meet you dear!" Catarina hugged me tightly. "Will you forgive me for changing the date?"

I forgive! Paulo replied, smiling at them. "Because I had the chance to bring Priscila to the farm.

"Paul, darling!" I'm so glad you're my friend. Thank you for everything. You're going to drink, aren't you?

"See you next time, Catarina." I'm sure you have a lot to talk about.

"Oh, we heard you!" This is so amazing I can't believe it. Priscila has a busy life and I don't think she will have time to visit.

"He told me he wanted to come. Paulo looked at Priscila with humor. "And he was as handsome as you told me.

"Yes good!" Come have dinner with us soon, Paulo.

"I thought you might want to throw a party to welcome Priscilla home." he said quietly. "I'm happy to be donating my house." It is big enough to accommodate many people and everyone can spread out in the garden.

How sweet you are!

Catarina looked at her with such appreciation and gratitude that Priscilla had to change her expression.

"Do you want this, honey?" Catarina turned to him, her eyes shining. “Paulo has a beautiful house!

Indeed! Priscila replied as if she couldn't see the irony in her eyes.

~ Are you sure?

He even teased her in front of Catarina.

“If that's not a big deal.

"I think that's great about you, Paulo!" Catherine commented. “I insist on asking you to accept this painting on my behalf.

"I'll buy it, Catarina," he replied. "High investment. How are you?

We will! Catarina said happily and ran to get the dog's leash. “I have to get Rudson so she doesn't follow you.

“I'll get my luggage and go home first. It looked too small for a princess.

"Ignore him, he's funny!" Melissa smiled. “He even advises me on my paintings.

"Unusual!" Priscilla said shyly. She will probably have to learn to hide it from Catarina.

he takes on Paul. In short, Catarina is a very good judge of your personality, but she doesn't see your worst side. An intelligent and interesting woman who, despite earning a lot of money, always claims her right to live. He should serve you for that. Priscilla saw him pick up the bags and put them on the porch. Then he returned to them.

"I can see that Rudson is happy to welcome another person into the family," he said.

"Paul bought it for me," Catarina said with a smile. “Rudson is a great friend and supervisor.

"I don't think you grew up with a pet," Paulo said, watching Priscila casually pet the dog.

"It's not his fault!" Some people don't like pets or large families. I remember a hot, sickly fiveyearold girl looking for a kitten and instead finding an expensive doll with blonde curls and a dress made of red strawberries.

Priscila said: "I still remember, but I don't remember crying.

I remember. I was there. Catarina fixed her hair. The wind blows, bringing with it the scent of flowers.

What do you think of Saturday? Paul asked.

Look great! Melissa agrees. “But you have to let me pay for food and drink.

"Never." He talks to Laura in the morning and tells her what you want. He is very knowledgeable and loves to party.

"Who would not like!" Thank you Paulo, you always help me and I will find a way to repay you.

"Until Saturday." I'm going. Nice to meet you, Priscilla.

"I want to thank you. I never thought someone would be so kind to organize an event for me.

And happiness!

Priscilla couldn't help but think he was a stranger. Invading her privacy, publicly criticizing her and partying! Catarina happily waved at him and almost at the last moment she raised her hand. Not that it seems necessary. Melissa is so beautiful.

"Let's go inside," Catarina said with a smile. "You can tell me anything you're afraid of while I'm cooking for us.