Andreas looked up and realized that there was going to be a problem. He just listened as the women continued to speak. Carolyn looked visibly upset. Simon looked up suddenly realizing his mother sounded odd.
"How could you forget it?" Carolyn said as she got up to leave the room. She turned to Andreas. "Please excuse me Andreas, I'm tired, it's been a long day. Simon darling, finish you lovely dessert and come to my room when you are done."
"Okay Mommy."
Carolyn left the dinning room. Raisa sat looking into space visibly distraught to anyone who knew her.
"Raisa, is my father coming tomorrow?" Simon asked innocently.
Raisa turned towards the child and almost as if it suddenly hit her; she looked at Andreas. Andreas suddenly understood the problem.
"Raisa?" Simon put his hand on her arm.
Raisa turned towards the child. Her face suddenly relaxed as she looked at the child that to her so much resembled his mother. She reached out and caressed his hair and smiled. "You are so much like your mother, Simon."
Simon smiled at her. "Yeah, my dad says that all the time too."
Raisa smiled at the boy and looked down at her plate again. "Yes, Simon, your father will probably be coming tomorrow," she said softly then raised her eyes and met Andreas's gaze.
"Good, I miss my dad," Simon said as he was finishing his dessert.
Raisa just stared at the boy.
"Well, Simon why don't you and I play a game of chess before you go up to your mother?" Andreas asked looking at Raisa. She looked towards her brother and understood instantly that he was giving her time to talk to Carolyn.
"Sure, that would be great Andreas."
"Yes, thank you Andreas," Raisa said to her brother. "Simon, you enjoy your game with Andreas; I'm going to speak to your mother and tell her that you will be up after your game."
Simon smiled at her and nodded. Raisa got up and went to find Carolyn.
~~~~~~~~~~
Raisa walked in and immediately noticed Carolyn sitting in front of the vanity staring into the glass. She had not even heard Raisa come in.
"Carolyn..."
"Why?"
"I forgot. I swear," Raisa said as she knelt down in front of her.
"I can't face Matt tomorrow. I can't do this with Simon here. I need time." Carolyn got more agitated by the second.
"Nothing will happen Carolyn. No one is taking you from me," Raisa said with conviction.
"Don't you see that this has the makings of a disaster?" Carolyn said in exasperation as she got up and walked away from Raisa. "I don't want Simon dragged into this!"
"I would never hurt Simon!" Raisa lashed out.
Carolyn turned to her now. "With Matt here anything can happen. Surely you don't think he won't come?" Carolyn argued back in frustration.
"Nothing will happen I promise you. Simon will be all right" Raisa tried to sound convincing but even she knew that things might very well get totally out of hand.
Carolyn ran to her and hid her face in Raisa's neck. "I can't loose my son Raisa, I can't loose my son." Carolyn Raisa held her tightly.
"Nothing will take either of you from me cara mia. Nothing" Raisa whispered into Carolyn's hair.
~~~~~~~~~~
The next morning the Copeco executives started arriving along with their families. Both Raisa and Andreas greeted them. Accommodations were prepared in another section of the house. Towards the end of lunch, most were relaxing around the pool. Children ran and joyous voices filled the air. Carolyn was talking to a few women she had known from other such meetings.
Raisa's eyes would intermittently search for her to reassure herself that Carolyn was still there and still hers.
Approximately around two in the afternoon a Land Rover pulled up in front of the hacienda and out stepped Matt Stenbeck. Almost by radar Simon spotted him.
"Daddy!" Simon sprinted towards his father as two sets of eyes followed him; one set with fear the other with rage.
~~~~~~~~~~
Raisa watched as Matt picked up his son and hugged him. She noticed when his eyes searched and found Carolyn. And as she saw him start towards her she started walking as well only to be stopped by Andreas.
"Let go of me!" She growled behind her teeth.
"Calm down, you don't want to do this. Not now; think Raisa think!" Andreas said to her as he held her by her arm.
"She's mine!" Her eyes turned to him in anger and in fear. It was the first time that Andreas saw the vulnerability in her.
"Yes, she loves you. No need to storm the barracks. Play to win. You won't win this way. All you will do is make a scene and you will involve Carolyn in a scandal. Is that what you want? Do you want Simon to see it too?" Andreas immediate knew he had reached her. For now, Raisa was rational.
"I won't loose her. I can't," she finished saying softly.
"And you won't," Andreas said kindly to his sister. He had never seen Raisa like this. She had always been the strong one. The one that fought his father so that he could stay in Virago and lead the life he loved. She was the one that kept Copeco going and naturally just took charge. He had always looked on her as not needing what most held dear. And now, he was touched by her vulnerability. For the first time he felt he had to protect her. Andreas followed her eyes and saw as Matt approached Carolyn with Simon by the hand.
~~~~~~~~~~
"Mr. Stenbeck, hello, I am Andreas Andieta," Andreas said as he extended his hand in welcome.
"Hello Mr. Andieta. Virago is beautiful," Matt answered as he shook Andreas's hand.
"Thank you. It has been in my family for five generations," Andreas said proudly.
"I was telling my wife that my flight was delayed; that's why I arrived late."
"Well, the important thing is that you are here," Andreas said politely. "We have had the pleasure of having Carolyn and Simon here with us for a few days."
"Yes," Matt said as he looked toward Carolyn. She looked away.
Before Matt could say anything else, Andreas intervened. "Why don't you get yourself a drink at the bar by the pool and that will take the tiredness away. Here in the jungle we take things a little slower but it's worth it."
"It is far away from everything," Matt replied diplomatically.
"Dad, Andreas and Raisa have miniature horses here," Simon interrupted excitedly. Matt noticed as Andreas tousled the boy's hair and bestowed him with a smile of affection.
"I'm glad that you have enjoyed the visit Simon."
Carolyn sought Andreas' eyes then looked away. Andreas did not have to guess what Carolyn was looking at. He turned just in time to see Raisa within feet of them. He just prayed that she would keep it together.
"Andreas, the men are ready for the hunt. They are waiting on you. Will you be joining them Matt?" Raisa asked Matt suddenly.
Matt was about to answer no when Andreas interceded.
"You can't miss this, Mr. Stenbeck. The boars are huge. Of course he will come. All of us men are going." Andreas really gave him no way of refusing politely.
"Yes, of course I'll come. Please call me Matt."
"Then it's settled. Matt, Antonio will take you to your room so that you can change into something more appropriately and then we will all be on our way." Andreas motioned for a young man to attend their new guest.
"Come along, darling we can catch up while I change." Matt said as he took Carolyn by the arm. Raisa was about to follow but Andreas stopped her.
"Simon you stay here while I talk to mom." Matt looked back and stopped his son from following.
Andreas noticed the disappointment in the boy. "Simon, the boys over there are staring a volley ball game. Hurry and you can play with them."
Simon looked at the direction he was pointing, smiled and ran toward the other children.