Milo's Journey

Chapter 14

Milo and Jose sat in the back of Jose’s mom’s BMW. The ride was a quiet one. Aurora Martinez, Jose’s mother, exuded the aura of a woman who took no nonsense from anyone. But Milo could tell by the small, subtle lines at the corners of her eyes and mouth that Mrs. Martinez did a lot of laughing, and that she cared fiercely for her family.

That fact was confirmed by the large, rotund Black woman dressed in white and red gingham who occupied the front seat and kept glancing back at Milo and smiling. Milo had to resist the urge to laugh at the madama spirit who was eyeing him approvingly.

“Doña Martinez, did your family have an African servant around the turn of the century? She would have been responsible for cooking and childcare,” Milo said, his eyes never leaving the front seat where the madama spirit appeared to be.

Jose shot Milo a curious glance before turning his attention to the empty seat. His face lit up with a smile as he realized what Milo was seeing.

“My grandmother told us about an African servant who took care of her and her sisters—Mama Ayana. They loved her like a second mother. She is buried in the family cemetery next to my grandmother and grandfather. Why do you ask?” Aurora said, looking at Milo through the rearview mirror.

“Mama, you know Milo has the sight,” Jose spoke up quickly.

“Ah sí, casi lo olvido. I almost forgot,” Aurora said, smiling. “So tell me, what do you see?”

“She is attached to you and your family. It is her influence that makes you a compassionate and caring mother and doctor, and also someone who does not tolerate foolishness. There are times when you feel her almost whispering in your ear, and when you heed her voice, things always turn out for the best.

“She loves you most of all, and she absolutely dotes on Jose. She finds things for him when he loses them. One minute he will be missing his keys, and then suddenly they appear on his dresser. Mama Ayana is the reason. She is here in the car with us right now,” Milo said quietly.

“I thought I felt her near. She tends to follow me when I go out; she feels it is her duty to look after me. She has gotten me out of trouble more times than I can count. Te quiero, Ayanita,” Aurora said softly.

Milo saw the madama brush Aurora’s cheek with her hand before disappearing.

Just then, the car turned up the drive to Milo’s house. Milo felt the change when they crossed the boundary of the palo santo trees. Even Jose visibly relaxed as the spiritual energies washed over him.

Welcome home, Milo.

The words echoed in Milo’s thoughts as his spiritual court greeted him. He smiled to himself as he saw Jose almost bouncing in his seat, anticipating seeing Piyelito.

“Cálmate, querido. You’re going to bounce out of the window if you keep that up,” Milo whispered.

Jose looked at him sheepishly and settled down. Milo took his hand and squeezed it reassuringly.

The car stopped in front of the house, and Milo and Jose got out. Aurora stepped out as well.

Suddenly, there was the sound of barking, and like a black streak, Piyelito came racing across the cow pasture and launched himself at Jose. Jose caught the little dog in his arms as Piyelito went wild, licking his face and yapping excitedly.

“Yes, I missed you too. Did you have a good time with Cachita?” Jose said, petting the puppy until he calmed.

Piyelito finally settled, then reached his nose toward Milo, who patted him gently on the head. The little dog then looked at Aurora and back at Jose.

“Rrfff?” Piyelito said.

“Piyelito, this is my mother, Doña Aurora,” Jose told him.

“Rrfff!” Piyelito replied, stretching his nose toward Aurora.

Aurora patted him gently. “Hello, Piyelito. You are very handsome.”

Jose set the puppy down. Piyelito sat quietly at Jose’s right side, alert and watchful.

Milo noticed a familiar SUV pulling up behind the BMW. Colonel Santana stepped out and opened the door for his wife. Diego did the same for Adriana. Soon everyone gathered together.

“Doña Elena, Don Andrew, Adriana—may I introduce Dr. Aurora Martinez and my boyfriend, Jose Martinez,” Milo said, taking Jose’s hand.

Dr. Martinez extended her hand to Colonel Santana and then to Doña Elena. “It is nice to meet you both. I have heard a lot about your daughter from my son. It seems she is quite gifted.”

“That’s my Drinita,” Colonel Santana said proudly. “The brightest star in the sky—but I think she has met her match in Milo.”

“Papa!” Adriana protested, blushing.

Doña Elena laughed. “Excuse my husband. He never misses a chance to brag about our daughter—usually to her extreme embarrassment.”

While the adults spoke, Milo greeted Diego.

Milo slapped him on the back. “How are you, hermano? ¿Todo bien?”

“Yeah, everything’s good,” Diego said quietly. “Adriana told her parents we’re dating. Colonel Santana spent ten minutes explaining all the ways he learned to kill a man with his bare hands in boot camp.”

Milo laughed softly. “I’m sure that was his way of welcoming you. He loves his daughter. If you make her happy, he’ll be on your side.”

They returned to the group. Milo glanced down and saw Piyelito still seated beside Jose, calm and alert. He marveled at the little dog’s restraint.

“Well, let’s go inside. Mama is very excited to meet you all,” Milo said.

“I’ll be right there, mi amor. I just want to say goodbye to Mama,” Jose said, walking Aurora back to her car.

Aurora wrapped an arm around her son. “Jose, mijo, I love you—and I love Milo. I am proud of the man you are becoming. I’m glad you figured it out. Milo has always been where your heart belonged, even when you were little. Whenever you were sad, you’d ask to come here. Natalia and I would find you both under the palo santo trees, bacalaíto crumbs scattered on the blanket, fast asleep.

“He is your shelter. I couldn’t be happier that you have him in your life.”

She kissed Jose’s cheek.

“Thank you, Mama. That means a lot,” Jose said, hugging her.

“My shift ends at eleven tonight. Should I call your father to pick you up?” Aurora asked.

“I was thinking about staying here tonight with Milo and Piyelito, if that’s okay,” Jose said.

Aurora studied him, then smiled. “All right. I trust you. Just figure out what you’ll wear to school.”

“I’ll borrow Milo’s clothes. We’ve been doing that since we were five,” Jose said.

Aurora laughed. “All right, mijo. Call if you need anything. Te quiero mucho.”

“Te quiero mucho, Mama,” Jose said as she drove away.

He watched the car disappear, his heart full, tears slipping down his cheeks. Milo came to stand beside him.

“Querido, ¿qué te pasa?” Milo asked.

Jose hugged him. “Nothing. Mama just told me she loves you and is glad we’re together. She says she’s known since I was five. I love you, Milo. There isn’t anyone else for me.”

Milo wiped his tears. “I love you with all my heart. I feel the same.”

“Rrrrf,” Piyelito barked.

“Yes, Piyelito. We love you too,” they said together, bursting into laughter.

Then the three of them headed inside to help with dinner.